About Us
Our Commitment
We believe that companies, and the communities that they create, need time and the right conditions to grow and flourish.
About Fresh Direct Produce
When we first sowed the seed for what was to become Fresh Direct Produce, our intention was to introduce an unparalleled service providing cost-effective selection of the best produce the world has to offer. We wanted to provide the fruits and vegetables that will go on the table in homes and restaurants, to nourish the body and soul. Our vision is to be a healthy difference in people's lives through food that is the basis for celebration and bonding, and a connection to each other's communities and heritage. Over the last 18 years we have tended to this vision, and it is our commitment to the future.
When we started, we were 11 people and two trucks serving our local community. Today we have grown to over 220 people and a fleet of 26 trucks that operate out of three distribution centers (two in Vancouver, one in Calgary). In order to deliver the best quality freshness to our customers, timing and conditions are critical. Our operations are supported by advanced data sensors and logistics systems to get things to where they need to go quickly; as well as large climate-controlled ripening rooms, for when things just need a little more time. Along every step of the way, our knowledgeable team works hard to ensure that the food on your table is deliciously fresh and nutritious. Beginning with our global buyers, to the logistics planners, warehouse workers, inspectors and managers, and ending with the driver that delivers pallets of fresh produce to the loading bays of large chain stores or the backdoor of a neighbourhood grocer; everyone plays a vital part. On the inside, it is a complex operation, from the outside it's just Simply Fresh®.
Just like the foods we sell, our growth and success comes from strong, well-tended roots.
Our produce comes from local and domestic farms, as well as international suppliers from thirty two different countries. This established partnership network allows us to provide the tastes of the world at a fair and affordable price that benefits everyone along the way. Being an innovative, independent business, we thrive on providing everything from reliable kitchen staples, to introducing new exotic products and nutritious organics. As a part of our mission, we help our clients by developing fresh marketing ideas and packaging concepts that benefit consumers and the environment. All of these relationships are important, and we provide the same commitment and service to our suppliers and clients, from rural farmers and large growers; to family owned neighbourhood stores and national chains.
Farming and exchanging goods is as old as civilization, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this tradition in the twenty first century, servicing a rapidly evolving retail landscape with wide availability due to extensive global sourcing, and satisfying the sophisticated multicultural tastes of the modern consumer. Come grow with us!
"We are so grateful for the ongoing support we receive from Fresh Direct Produce. Your commitment to healthy communities and your passion for pediatric health care has a positive impact on the 1 million children we serve in BC and the Yukon. It is thanks to donors like Fresh Direct Produce that we are able to aim higher for our kids."
TERI NICHOLAS
President and CEO, BC Children’s Hospital Foundation
Since I have started working for Fresh Direct there have been multiple opportunities for my colleagues and I to improve our skill sets. Fresh Direct truly believes in providing training(internally as well as externally) for its employees to better not only themselves professionally but personally as well. This open-mindedness provides a wonderful environment allowing us to not be afraid to ask questions and seek the answers no matter where that takes us. It has been a great pleasure of mine to work for Fresh Direct and I look forward to the future.
KATE ISAACSON
Account Manager, Fresh Direct Produce, Calgary, Alta.
"The customer service at Fresh Direct is one aspect that stands out for our operation. They are responsive and always willing to work within our needs. Having a location in our city of operation has been a another big plus! Our business together has grown more than anticipated and this is a sure sign they are doing good work."
FRANK SARRO
Fresh & Bulk Foods Category Manager, Community Natural Foods, Calgary, Alta.