Fresh produce is among the main food groups used by food service businesses and purchased by households. Their richness in vitamins and minerals makes fruits and vegetables a mandatory component of our everyday diet. Although the restaurant industry in Baltimore is known for its seafood restaurants and dishes, local food service businesses also purchase a wide selection of vegetables, fruits, and microgreens to use in their dishes. Wholesale sales of frozen and fresh produce are also done by grocery stores, businesses in the hotel industry, and other companies that purchase perishable food in bulk. In this post, we’ll share more about the characteristics of the agricultural sector in Baltimore and Maryland. We’ve also prepared a list of some of the reputable distributors of wholesale produce in Baltimore. If you’re searching for reliable suppliers, check out our articles on Baltimore broadline food distributors and wholesale bakeries in Baltimore.
Key takeaway: Most microgreens and produce distributors in Baltimore partner with local farms and larger distributors and importers. Some wholesalers specialize in organic products while others choose to increase the selection of goods they sell.
The Fruit and Vegetable Industry in Baltimore
The fertile soils across Maryland combined with the subtropical climate are one of the reasons why the state has a well-developed agricultural industry. There are multiple livestock and dairy farms across the state. Some crop farms are focused on harvesting barley, hay, and other cultures that are primarily used in animal feed manufacturing. In recent years, focusing on organic farming has been a growing niche market. That’s true for Maryland farms as well. A lot of businesses in Baltimore buy wholesale produce from suppliers that offer eco-friendly, sustainable, and organic products.
The Washington–Baltimore metropolitan area is among the largest in the country. As such, there’s a high demand for fresh produce. The majority of fruit and vegetables sold in Baltimore and other nearby areas are locally grown.
Products Sold by Distributors of Wholesale Produce in Baltimore
Suppliers of wholesale produce in Baltimore offer a wide selection of fruits, vegetables, microgreens, and other products. They aim to be the one-stop shop for business owners who need reliable delivery of fresh wholesale produce in Baltimore. Some companies opt to find suppliers that can deliver goods in other food categories as well. That’s why they partner with broadline distributors. Here are the main types of products sold by suppliers of wholesale produce in Baltimore.
- Fruits;
- Vegetables;
- Herbs and spices;
- Imported fruits and other specialty products;
- Microgreens;
- Canned or pickled produce;
- Salad mixes and pre-cut vegetables;
- Nuts and various types of nut butter;
- Juices;
- Frozen vegetables, fruits, and mixes;
- Different types of grains;
- Dried fruits;
- Fruit preserves;
- Flour, cooking oil, and other commonly used products in kitchens.
Well-Known Suppliers of Wholesale Produce in Baltimore
When it comes to fresh produce, restaurant businesses need reliable suppliers that can guarantee quality and still have affordable wholesale prices. Below we’ve shared details about some of the renowned distributors of wholesale produce in Baltimore. Keep in mind that most broadline suppliers also offer fresh and frozen vegetables and fruits. Some businesses prefer to work with large food distributors that can offer products in multiple categories.
Kousouris Bros. Produce
With almost a century of history in the sector of wholesale produce in Baltimore, the company is among the trusted suppliers of fresh vegetables and fruits in the area. In addition to offering fresh produce, Kousouris Bros. also sells bulk dairy products such as milk, butter, and eggs. The company is family-run and aims to offer personal service to all its customers.
Known for: The variety of produce they offer and the personal approach.
Ever Fresh
Businesses in Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, and DC can count on Ever Fresh for timely deliveries and quality products. The company has been serving as a supplier of wholesale produce in Baltimore since 1978. During those years, they’ve become the reliable distributor of fruits and vegetables for multiple restaurants and other businesses.
Known for: Their family-oriented approach and the freshness of their products.
Class Produce Group
In addition to offering a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits, the company also sells freshly-cut produce. Class Produce Group also has a white-labeling program for businesses that wish to sell fruits and vegetables under their own brand. The company is a family-owned business that serves throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. They offer services such as repacking, ripening, and shipping.
Known for: The wide selection of produce offered and their state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.
Keany Produce & Gourmet
The company aims to be the one-stop shop for businesses that wish to find distributors of fresh vegetables, fruits, and other important ingredients. As such, Keany Produce & Gourmet also offers dairy products, nuts, oils, vinegars, and other products used in the restaurant industry. They serve a wide area that includes Maryland, Virginia, DC, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina.
Known for: The variety of products and the customer-first approach of their family business.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Wholesale Produce in Baltimore
Whether you wish to know which are the best Baltimore coffee roasters or you’re interested in how to sell produce wholesale, our website is the right place for you. With hundreds of articles and resources on a variety of topics, BlueCart is the learning place for restaurant managers, wholesalers, and other business owners. Below we’ve answered some common questions regarding wholesale produce in Baltimore.
What Fruits and Vegetables Grow in Maryland?
The subtropical climate of Maryland allows gardeners and agricultural businesses to grow a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Among the most popular crops grown across the state are tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, and peas. In the past, tobacco growing made up a large percentage of the Maryland agricultural industry. Nowadays, strawberries, corn, and mushrooms are also very popular types of crops harvested across Maryland counties. A large percentage of the farmland is used to grow cultures like barley, hay, soybeans, and wheat. They are bought by chicken and dairy farms or animal feed manufacturers.
What Is the Role of Farmers' Markets in Baltimore’s Produce Sector?
Farmers' markets have become increasingly popular not only in Maryland but also in other states. They give customers the opportunity to pick fresh produce and help local farmers. Furthermore, one of the growing trends in the field of fruits and vegetables is to eat sustainable and organic products. That’s why most farmers focus on eco-friendly practices and organically-grown produce. There are multiple farmers’ markets across Baltimore and other nearby communities. Most of them are visited by individual customers but some also focus on B2B sales.
What Are the Trends in the Maryland Agricultural Sector?
Sustainability and automation are among the main trends in the Maryland agricultural industry. Local farms look for ways to automate various processes and tasks. That’s true not only for crops but also for dairy and livestock farming. A growing number of farms in Maryland go through the Maryland Organic Certification Program (MOCP) as they focus on one of the biggest produce industry trends – organically grown fruits and vegetables.
Software Solutions for Big and Small Distributors from BlueCart
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