There are several Boston produce suppliers that service the entire food and beverage industry. But which ones are the best, with the most versatile product catalogs?
In this comprehensive blog post, we’re going to take a deep dive into a handful of suppliers that distribute fresh produce to businesses throughout the Boston area. Some of which are actively selling wholesale goods beyond the produce sector. Though other food groups aren’t the focus at the moment, it’s something to keep in mind.
See below for all the details:
Top 5 Boston Produce Suppliers
There are more suppliers and distributors of local produce Boston has to offer than you might think. While you might have to drive a few miles (or more) beyond the hustle and bustle of the city, all of the companies we’re about to discuss service restaurant industry brands in the Greater Boston area. Read about several of them below:
1. Black River Produce
Headquarters: North Springfield, VT
As one of the leading produce distributors in the Boston area, Black River Produce offers an extensive product line of fruits, veggies, and beyond. Black River Produce sources its ingredients from over 200 local farms, ensuring each customer that they'll receive the best products.
Freshness should be a sought-after quality for any business purchasing wholesale produce. Since Black River Produce obtains products every day, they provide each customer with the peace of mind that their ingredients are of the highest quality. Plus, it helps restaurant business owners and grocers avoid the risk of food spoilage.
It's also important to note that Black River Produce employs specialists who monitor when seasonal produce returns each year. As a result, they're one of the first Boston produce suppliers to get a hold of various ingredients.
Black River Produce is ideal for restaurants that specialize in specific cuisines. That's because they acquire seasonal ingredients and other products that might be hard to find elsewhere. So before crossing certain dishes off your menu for fear that you won't be able to prepare them, double-check with Black River Produce.
2. Costa Fruit & Produce Company
Headquarters: Boston, MA
Restaurants, hotels, and other business types can find all the produce they’re looking for at Costa Fruit and Produce Company. Not only do they distribute a wide selection of fruits and vegetables, but a variety of specialty products as well. So, if you’re shopping for some of the specialty produce Boston has to offer, this company might sell exactly what you need. Nestled right in the city of Boston, the company’s inventory turnover rate is pretty steady. So, this factor helps to ensure the freshness of the produce.
Costa Fruit and Produce Company prides itself on offering one of the most diverse selections of produce in all of New England. And when you consider the size of the region and number of produce suppliers across Northeastern America, that’s quite a bold statement. From ingredients that cater to your local cuisine to those that are vital for ethnic culinary ideas, they’ve got it all. Besides, to sell to the entire hospitality industry, diversity is key.
We should also acknowledge that Costa Fruit and Produce Company works diligently to nurture its relationships with trusted vendors and suppliers. Combine that with their own food processing capabilities, and you have a place to purchase some of the best produce. And not only are they one of the best in Boston, but in the United States.
3. Wilson Farm
Headquarters: Lexington, MA
Since 1885, Wilson Farm has been one of the best produce companies in Boston. While the company technically sits on the outskirts of the city in Lexington, it services numerous restaurants and grocery stores in the city.
Wilson Farm has a loyal roster of wholesale clients who purchase high-quality produce on a regular basis. By utilizing well over 500 acres of farmland, you can imagine just how much produce the company is able to grow. As a result, they’re a leader in the wholesale produce space despite being a family-run business.
For potential clients in the Boston area who would like to try Wilson Farms, stop by their open-air nursery or retail farm stands. Since they sell direct to consumer (D2C) in the Boston area, you can try their products for yourself!
If you’re concerned about being unable to retrieve seasonal produce once the weather in New England changes, don’t fret. Wilson Farm works with farmers from all around the globe. They’re an importer of countries like Spain, Mexico, and Belgium, to name a few. Wilson Farm also operates an import company in addition to its wholesale distribution channel. Therefore, they can sell bulk produce to clients at a much further distance.
4. New England Produce Center
Headquarters: Chelsea, MA
Here’s a fun fact: the New England Produce Center is the largest privately-owned terminal market in the United States. As a market that houses fresh produce from multiple vendors, it’s a go-to outlet for eateries, wholesalers, and retail stores.
The New England Produce Center performs huge operations by employing over one thousand people near its home base, Chelsea, MA. In doing so, they’re able to ship products via freight, truck, and CSX railroad. Plus, the New England Produce Center is right near major highways and an international airport. As a result, the staff is able to get deliveries out in a timely manner.
For businesses seeking the cheap produce Boston has to offer, the New England Produce Center might be a good fit. Due to the size of the company and its resources, they’re able to offer some of the most affordable prices for fruits, vegetables, and more.
5. S. Strock & Co.
Headquarters: Chelsea, MA
Stellar customer service is at the forefront of S Strock and Co.’s mission. So not only are they recognized in the Greater Boston area for their superb fruits and vegetables, but their reliable service, too. If you’re wondering what a reliable and trustworthy wholesale distribution company looks like, imagine the following: seamless cold chain logistics, timely deliveries, a friendly customer support team, and available stock.
Restaurants, food service distributors, and supermarket chains are just a few client groups S. Strock and Co. has been servicing since 1897. The company’s loyalty to distributing the best produce available has been evident ever since. Even if you’re shopping for the best organic produce Boston has in store, S. Strock and Co. should have what you need, since they sell regular as well as organic produce.
Frequently Asked Questions About Boston Produce Suppliers
If you’d like to learn about Boston produce suppliers and the wholesale market as a whole, at least from a more local perspective, you’re in the right place! See below for some commonly asked questions and answers about purchasing bulk fruits and vegetables in the Boston area.
What Delivery Options Should Boston Produce Suppliers Use?
If you operate a Boston produce supply company, or such an entity in any geographic area, you should opt for an overnight shipping method. Not only will doing so provide clients with great service, but more importantly, it will ensure the integrity of the perishable goods you’re shipping. Sure, you’ll also be implementing cold chain logistics, but you don’t want to risk the amount of food waste that can occur from produce being without refrigeration for extended periods of time.
What Kinds of Produce Can You Buy Wholesale In Boston?
The kinds of wholesale produce Boston has to offer can vary from one supplier to the next. However, due to many nearby farms that have partnerships with global distributors, finding everything and anything you could possibly need shouldn’t be an issue.
Which Is the Biggest Produce Supplier In the Boston Area?
The biggest produce supplier in the Boston area is the New England Produce Center. Not only is this the biggest supplier in Boston, but the largest privately-owned produce supplier in the nation.
What Are Some Produce Suppliers Suitable for Boston Restaurants?
Five of the best Boston produce suppliers for restaurants are:
- Wilson Farm
- S. Strock & Co.
- Black River Produce
- New England Produce Center
- Costa Fruit & Produce Company
How Can I Find Organic Boston Produce Suppliers Near Me?
If you’re looking for local organic Boston produce suppliers, simply Google “organic Boston produce suppliers near me.” Or, if you have some suppliers in mind, call them to see if any of their product offerings are certified organic.
Find a Boston Produce Supplier Near You
Would you like to make the shopping and ordering process easier for your business? Perhaps an order management system will do the trick! Schedule a demo with a BlueCart representative today to begin learning just how valuable our wholesale distribution features can be for your F&B company!