The supplier perspective on Gelson’s

Ask around the Los Angeles produce industry, and most suppliers have nothing but praise for Gelson’s Markets BB #:113119.

According to Matthew Clark, president of LA Produce BB #:332163, “Gelson’s succeeds for many reasons—among them is a focus on locating stores in affluent areas. Another would be the practice of providing top-quality produce to customers.

“We sell them the best of the best, whether it’s berries, papayas, pomegranates, or cluster tomatoes. As a produce supplier, when it’s not just about price, we’re able to offer better service and go the extra mile for a customer like Gelson’s.”

In return for premium product, Clark adds, customers reward the retailer with their loyalty.

Further, he says, “If more retail buyers followed the custom of value as opposed to low price, there’d be less in the dumpster and more happy customers.”

In a business where a high percentage of purchases are conducted over the phone or online from a distant buying office, Gelson’s buyers still come to the Los Angeles Wholesale Produce Market.

Coosemans L.A., Inc., BB #:113856 a broker, importer, and exporter of specialty produce located on the L.A. market, has been a longtime supplier to Gelson’s. “In the 38 years we’ve been dealing with Gelson’s, it’s been a very open relationship. We talk daily,” says Alan Pollack.

“Gelson’s inventory is geared toward high-end, discerning customers. We always get new items from certain growers, and they want to be in Gelson’s because of their access to affluent, influential customers.

“Many growers can’t go to them directly, but we can expedite those sales,” he continues. “Gelson’s stores get their pick of new items. They handle items no one else does, and they always bring in the best.

“They’re a good group to work with, and there’s loyalty on both sides,” shares Pollack.

Paul Kneeland, senior director of produce and floral at Gelson’s, sums it up this way, “As established as we are in quality and service, we’re always looking to grow and improve.”

That’s how a relatively small, premium chain stays at the top of its game.

This an excerpt from the California Supplement to the May/June 2022 issue of Produce Blueprints Magazine. Click here to read the whole supplement.

Image sources are either licensed or customer-provided.