 A common belief is that fresh produce "magically" appears in the grocery store. Another misconception is that the high prices one pays at the supermarket are passed on to the farmers and ranchers who work so hard to produce our food.
It does not work that way.
 T he fresh produce distribution system which exists in the United States is incredibly complex, sophisticated and efficient. It is an ultimate example of capitalism and evolution. Fresh tomatoes which are harvested today in any corner of California can be displayed for sale in New York City within four days at an extremely competitive price. As a point in fact, weekends and holidays do not exist in the world of food production. The plants continue growing and the fruit ripens. Work schedules are dictated by the growing crop and wholesale prices are determined solely according to supply and demand. At all levels, except retail, there are thousands of entities competing for their share of the market.
 Fresh produce pro duction and its wholesale distribution is not dominated by huge corporate conglomerates - yet. Your fresh produce items, for the most part, are produced by family owned companies and partnerships which harvest, pack and ship their produce in truckload quantities to distribution centers throughout the United States and the world. Wholesale Produce Market Terminals exist in most major cities throughout the United States and were originally established as an outlet for the farmer to sell directly to grocery stores, restaurants and the general public.
 Los Angeles Market Jobbers and Wholesalers became the terminal distributors for those farmers too busy to sell their produce themselves. The advantage to the farmer and to the fresh produce buyer was the establishment of a reliable, competitive year round source and outlet for fruits and vegetables which was and continues to be under the direct supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture, The California Department of Agriculture and the United States Food and Drug Administration.
The  merchandise is clean, fresh, properly handled by professionals and priced to sell. Wholesalers normally do not sell by the pound. We do, however, sell by the "box" and the box size or weight is determined by the perishability or scarcity of the produce item. Wholesale prices per pound are pennies on the dollar when compared to the prices per pound offered at retail. Savings are huge (eat your heart out, Wal-Mart) and smart shoppers take advantage by visiting the Produce Market in the early morning hours and picking up their favorite fresh fruits and vegetables. What they don’t use themselves they “generously” share with their friends and neighbors. “Neighborhood Co-Op” buyers typically visit the Wholesale Markets on Saturday mornings to stock up for the week. The only requirements to buy wholesale are that you have a sense of adventure, enjoy being around people and have the ability to pay for what you buy. Credit cards are accepted at most wholesale outlets.
Come visit us at "The Store" at Season Produce Company, 1601 East Olympic Blvd., Bays 315-318. Open Monday through Saturday, 1:00 AM - 11:00 AM or at "our Warehouse at 2590 Harriett Street, Los Angeles, CA. Phone (323)-583-7588
   
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