Anton J. Marano, chief operating officer of the Anthony Marano Company has also seen an uptick: “I’ve noticed an increase in demand, but for cheaper organic vegeta-bles. People want organics but not at the high prices. We offer a small selection of organics.”
Gaglione says Dietz & Kolodenko noticed a significant increase in organic apple and grape sales in 2013. “In 2012, we did maybe 1 percent, but last year it was about 10 percent…so it’s a sizeable increase.”
Chi-Town Challenges
Between the weather, the still-struggling economy, and increasingly rigorous food safety standards, Chicago produce businesses have encountered numerous obstacles in the past year.
Following a mild winter in 2013, the arctic cold of January and February 2014 and heavy snow managed to stymie some of the flow in and out of the city. The merchants, however, were well used to the cold and snow and soldiered on, remaining open for business.
Fresh Forum
Have changes in the Chicagoland retail sector—such as Safeway, Inc. selling its Dominick’s stores and the expansion of chains like Mariano’s, Whole Foods, and Caputo’s—had any effect on your business?Roger Riehm – Blue Creek Produce
It’s a good thing; Chicago is still the strongest Midwestern area for produce sales. The expansion of Mariano’s, Whole Foods, and Caputo’s in the area shows that Chicago is offering the consumer the best quality produce.Nick Gaglione – Dietz & Kolodenko Company
Mainly, it’s been positive. We try to cater to these chains, meet their needs, and make sales and deliveries to their stores so they can serve their customers.Jason Gonzalez – J.L. Gonzalez Produce, Inc.
I don’t think it has affected our business. I feel we have a special niche since we’re distributors of Mexican produce, and every retailer and every store needs to carry a line of ethnic items. We work with a lot of independent mom-and-pop stores.Anton J. Marano – Anthony Marano Company
It seems like the changes in retail are stimulating a lot of good change. I think many of the independent grocers and even the chains see this as an opportunity to do a better job with the consumer, so I think everybody is trying to step up their game.
“Right now, the emphasis is still with food safety, and this is evident with the tougher U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) laws and increased border inspec-tions,” Riehm commented. “Consumers still want value and price still is important, but they will still search for good quality produce. We continue to work with growers that are certified to keep safety and quality first priority.”
