Our Buyers
You might think a carrot is just a carrot.
The people who acquire produce for Fresh Direct are a discerning and curious bunch. Our Buyers are organized into three teams, each focusing on Imports, Organics, or Conventional products.
You might think a carrot is just a carrot, but Susan Leung, FDP’s Senior Procurement Manager, knows better. On a recent trip to India, she discovered that carrots grown there look and taste different from the kind most North Americans are used to finding in their stores. Many Indians moving to Canada miss the taste of those carrots, and prefer the ones they remember eating back home. “It is my job to bring in all the different varieties to meet developing niche markets within Canada,” says Leung.
It’s this combination of keen observation, listening to our customers, and foresight that make our buyers the best in the business. Keeping at the forefront of such a dynamic and fast-paced industry requires energy, living out of a suitcase at times, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing weather and growing patterns around the world. “There are so many changes and so many different scenarios that each of our 14 buyers have to be on their toes every day.”
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.