With around 230,000 farms across the state, Texas has a well-developed agricultural industry. The fertile soil and the abundance of land are among the main factors that help local farmers grow quality fruits, vegetables, and crops. The state also attracts young people from other parts of the country and has an increasing population. That’s why the demand for food has increased in recent decades. These factors are the reason why there are multiple produce distributors in Texas. A lot of them act as intermediaries. They purchase goods from local farmers and sell them to restaurant businesses, grocery retailers, or other companies. Microgreens and produce distributors focus on a wide range of goods – from popular fruits and vegetables to less-common specialty products. Some suppliers specialize in a specific niche as well. For example, organic produce is one of the hot produce industry trends. That’s why some wholesalers might specialize in this branch of agriculture. In the following paragraphs, we’ll discuss the main aspects of the Texas agricultural industry. We’ll also share details about some reliable produce distributors in Texas. Interested in reading more about Texas wholesale distributors? Make sure to check out our posts on wholesale bakeries in Dallas and seafood in Texas.
Key takeaway: Most produce distributors in Texas focus on locally-grown fruits and vegetables. These suppliers often sell dry goods, nuts, and other products needed by the grocery and food service industries.
The Texas Agricultural Sector
The Lone Star State has the largest number of farms. The average size of Texas farms is also bigger compared to other states. That’s why agriculture is a big contributor to the state’s economy. A large percentage of local farms are focused on livestock and dairy (check out our articles on dairy distributors in Texas and Dallas meat distributors). These farms grow a variety of feed grains.
Cotton is also a major contributor to the Texas agricultural sector. The Lone Star State is the country's leader in cotton production. In recent years, the cultivation of textile-grade industrial hemp has also become popular.
Products Offered by Produce Distributors in Texas
The warm climate in the region allows farms to grow virtually all types of commercially available vegetables and the majority of popular fruits. Some suppliers also offer goods in other categories such as fruit preserves and different types of nut butter. Here are some of the products offered by produce distributors in Texas.
- Vegetables;
- Fruits – locally-grown and imported fruits such as bananas and mangoes;
- Different types of grains like wheat, sorghum, and corn;
- Microgreens, herbs, and spices;
- Salad mixes, pre-cut vegetables, or other processed produce;
- Nuts and nut butter;
- Jams, jellies, canned goods;
- Juices and concentrates;
- Oil, flour, vinegar, and other staple goods;
Texas Produce Distributors
Business owners have the option to partner with suppliers that specialize in produce or to work with broadline distributors. The main benefits of working with produce distributors in Texas are that they offer primarily local goods, have lower MOQ, and can be more flexible. On the other hand, the advantage of working with broadliners comes in the variety of wholesale products they supply. Let’s examine some examples of reliable produce distributors in Texas.
Brothers Produce
The company has a vast distribution network across the state thanks to its three distribution centers. This allows Brothers Produce to offer its services as a produce distributor in Texas not only in major metropolitan areas such as Dallas–Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Houston but also in nearby states. With a fleet of over 200 vehicles, the company can provide logistical and storage solutions to local businesses in other niche markets.
Known for: Being one of the premier produce distributors in Texas.
Mex Flores Produce
As a family-owned and operated business, the main focus of the company is to provide excellent customer service to its clients across the state. Mex Flores Produce a wide selection of fruits, vegetables, dry goods, herbs, and other high-demand products at wholesale prices. The company has been growing for more than 20 years. During that time, the team behind Mex Flores Produce has offered nothing less than freshness and quality. The company serves restaurants, retail stores, and other wholesalers.
Known for: Their fresh and dried pepper products.
Chefs' Produce
Since its establishment in 1980, the company has been one of the well-known produce distributors in Texas. Chefs' Produce offers all popular fruits and vegetables. Businesses in the restaurant industry that need processed goods such as cut produce or dried vegetables can also rely on the company. Chefs' Produce partners with businesses in the hotel industry, institutions, contract feeders, and food service establishments.
Known for: Their vast inventory of fresh produce and their customer-oriented approach to business.
Schoenmann Produce
The company is one of the oldest produce distributors in Texas. Primarily serving the Houston metropolitan area, Schoenmann Produce is among the well-known suppliers of fresh vegetables and fruits. Since its inception in 1910, the primary focus of the company has been to offer Texas-grown produce of the highest quality. Schoenmann Produce aims to be a sustainable supplier that helps local growers and distributes produce in a sustainable manner. Restaurant managers who wish to buy wholesale produce of high quality from local growers often choose to partner with Schoenmann Produce.
Known for: Their commitment to wholesale sales of Texas-grown vegetables and fruits.
Frequently Asked Questions about Produce Distributors in Texas
There are multiple useful articles across BlueCart’s website. From tips on how to find vendors to valuable information about Dallas coffee roasters. Below you will find the answers to some common questions regarding produce distributors in Texas.
What Produce Is Grown in Texas?
Virtually all types of vegetables and a wide variety of fruits are grown in Texas. The fertile soil and the warm climate give local farms the opportunity to grow various crops, vegetables, and fruits. The ones with significant economic impact are spinach (Texas is among the biggest producers of spinach in the country), okra, onions, and grapes (primarily for wine production). Other fruits, grains, and vegetables grown in Texas include:
- Wheat;
- Rice;
- Sugarcane;
- Peanuts;
- Sunflowers;
- Corn;
- Pecans;
- Olives;
- Watermelons;
- Cantaloupes;
- Broccoli;
- Other commercial vegetables such as cauliflowers, celery, cucumbers, eggplants, lettuce, bell peppers, jalapeño, potatoes, pumpkins, and tomatoes.
Do You Need a License to Sell Produce in Texas?
According to the Texas Department of Agriculture, a TDA license is not required for retail sellers. Wholesale produce distributors in Texas or individuals who focus on B2B sales to vendors and other companies need to get a Handling and Marketing of Perishable Commodities (HMPC) certificate. If you’re interested in selling fruits and vegetables wholesale, keep in mind that there are other regulations to follow and licenses that should be obtained. Check out our post on how to sell produce wholesale.
What Are the Trends in Texas Agriculture?
Although Texas still has the biggest number of farms in the country, that number has been declining in recent years. That’s due to the multiple challenges in the agricultural industry and the reduced interest among young people. Nevertheless, trends such as automation and precision agriculture help farmers increase their crop yields and address labor shortages. Organic and sustainable farming has also been among the major trends in Texas agriculture. A lot of farmers have switched to specialty products and crops. This helps them diversify their output and increase profits. Hemp cultivation has seen a spike in the Texas farming sector.
BlueCart: The Reliable Software for Produce Distributors in Texas
Throughout the years, BlueCart’s solutions have helped multiple distribution businesses automate certain tasks and find new customers. Whether you’re a food distributor in Dallas or a farm that sells wholesale produce, our software can take your business to the next level. Schedule a free demo today in order to examine the power of BlueCart for wholesale businesses.