Sanfield agrees: “The ports have worked closely together in several areas, particularly security and environmental issues,” he says. “In 2006, both ports worked together on a San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan, which has had great success.”
“In recent years, the two ports have also cooperated on efforts to improve port operations and optimize the supply chain,” adds Hacegaba. Despite these cooperative efforts, Sanfield says the two ports will continue to compete for cargo into the future.
LA Markets: A Dynamic Duo
Two wholesale markets handle the distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables throughout Los Angeles and beyond. One of the oldest and largest produce markets in the United States, the City Market of Los Angeles was first constructed in early 1909. In the late 1980s, the market underwent a major overhaul and was renamed the Los Angeles Wholesale Produce Market (LAWPM).
Sigma Sales, a broker, distributor, and shipper with 25 years in the business, has been based on the LAWPM for nine of these years. Sean Barton, vice president of sales and procurement with Sigma Sales, says the market has changed quite a bit during this time—especially in terms of consolidation. While there are “fewerbusinesses, the ones that are around are of fairly decent size.”
Steps away from the LAWPM is the Seventh Street Market, founded in 1918. Originally known as the Los Angeles Terminal Market, it’s located at the southern terminus of the Southern Pacific railway.
The Los Angeles Terminal Market once served as the gateway for 10 percent of U.S. food distribution. Today, themarket is responsible for 1 percent of U.S. produce, according to the Los Angeles Produce Market Association.
Momentous Milestones
Here are a few of Los Angeles’ notable fresh produce highlights from the 1800s to present day.
1850
Los Angeles is incorporated as a municipality, and California becomes the 30th state in the union.
1873
The seedless navel orange is introduced to California from Brazil.
1877
Thanks to new refrigerated boxcar technology, California oranges are transported all the way to St. Louis, where they boom in popularity. Agriculture begins to replace ranching as the heart of the local economy.
