Global Sourcing
We forage the world for the best fruits and vegetables.
At Fresh Direct Produce, we forage the world for the best fruits and vegetables. We select and import over 1,000 SKUs of fresh produce items from all over the planet—up from 600 SKUs just five years ago.
Sourcing product from around the globe offers more than greater selection for our customers; it means that we can also expand the window of availability for those products. Take persimmons, for example. Not long ago, California persimmons were only available in October and November. But Fresh Direct’s global sourcing from China, Korea, Spain, Israel, Brazil, Chile and New Zealand means that now persimmons can be had almost year round.
A Chinese mandarin, typically associated with the Christmas season, used to be… well, just a Chinese mandarin. But today there are many different varieties: big and small, seeded and seedless, packed in boxes or mesh bags. And mandarin season has been extended by bringing in dozens of different varieties from China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Australia, Israel, Pakistan, Peru, and California.
Just like the foods we sell, our growth and
success comes from strong, well-tended roots.
"The biggest reason I do business with Fresh Direct is that I can buy a large assortment of quality ethnic produce that I can’t find anywhere else. Trust is a big issue for me and I know that I can call my sales rep to follow up and take care of things. Because of their variety of Asian and ethnic produce, a number of new items have been introduced into my stores."
BEDFORD WILLIAMS
Owner/co-founder, H&W Produce, Edmonton and Calgary, Alta.
"Dealing exclusively in organic produce, Pomme has established an excellent working relationship with the Fresh Direct representatives and wholesale buyers who research market availability, conditions in the growing areas, pricing and quality to prioritize our needs and provide the best service possible. This combination of quality, pricing and service has driven sales and customer satisfaction and resulted in a win-win relationship between Pomme and Fresh Direct."
CRAIG HERMANSON
Operation Manager/Owner, Pomme Natural Market, Port Coquitlam and Nanaimo, BC
"It has been a privilege for us to partner with Fresh Direct for almost five years. They have a great selection of produce, especially exotic fruits from Asia. The Shatang Mandarins (literally means Sugar Mandarins) are some citrus to die for –– an immensely sweet all-time favourite. I would recommend Fresh Direct if you are looking for specialty produce. Happy 15th. Anniversary Fresh Direct!"
ANGELINE LEE
Category Manager, Produce, Sunterra Quality Food Markets Inc., Calgary, Alta.