Carolina On Your Mind

Buying TrendsWhile Paul Collins Produce Company used to carry only produce staples such as potatoes, cabbage, onions, and lettuce, the Asheville-based distributor has added quite a few ethnic...

By Amy Bell
July 13, 2016
2 minute read

Buying Trends
While Paul Collins Produce Company used to carry only produce staples such as potatoes, cabbage, onions, and lettuce, the Asheville-based distributor has added quite a few ethnic and specialty items to accommodate its foodservice customers. “We have to carry things like Lacinato (kale) and fennel, and some of the Asian restaurants want Napa (cabbage) and bok choy,” Collins explains. He also carries specialty mushrooms, peeled garlic and shallots, arugula, and herbs. This trend isn’t surprising considering Asian Americans are now the fastest-growing demographic group in North Carolina. The state’s Latino population is also booming; Hispanics represent about 9 percent of the state’s population.

Carolina Market Stats

Then there’s organics. Although demand continues to rise among some shoppers, many buyers simply don’t want to pay the often steep price. “We have inquiries on organic merchandise almost on a daily basis,” Collins admits. “Yet I’d say 90 percent of people who inquire won’t pay a penny more than they pay for conventional. Right now, we have five items that are organic out of a total of 90 items.”

Ford says his foodservice customers haven’t embraced organics as much as retailers. “We’ve tried to get it started, but it’s not anywhere near mainstream yet for us.” Ceccarelli and Farm Fresh Produce are on the same path: “We currently don’t offer any organic sweet potatoes or produce, but we considering going in that direction next year.”

Amy Bell is a professional freelance writer with more than fifteen years of experience. She writes for publications and companies across the nation. Visit writepunch.com to learn more.

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