California grapes are shipping with imports arriving regularly in Canada. "It's always exciting when the full lineup of California grapes arrives and fills up our warehouses. We are working hard to deepen our relationships with our valued partners for California grapes: Top Brass and Fowler Packing," says Hutch Morton of J.E. Russell Produce Ltd.
One variety that the wholesaler is bringing in this summer via Fowler Packing's Samsons grape brand is Thomcord grapes. "These are what they sound like–a combination of a Seedless Concord and a Seedless Thompson grape," says Morton. "It's sweet and has a really uniquely sweet taste that brings me back to my childhood peanut butter and grape jelly sandwich days!"
While J.E. Russell is importing grapes from California, it's also focusing on bringing in grapes and produce from other regions year-round. "We are always building stronger relationships with our grower-shipper partners as well as looking for new partners around the world," says Morton. "Last week, I traveled to Peru as part of a Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) trade mission to meet growers looking to enter or expand the Canadian market. Of particular importance were meetings with blueberry and grape exporters who could augment our off-shore deals."
That's particularly critical given how today's weather impacts supply and sometimes triggers fluctuations in the flow of supply–whether it's macro changes like La Nina or more micro like an intense rainfall system. "Our place in the fresh produce supply chain puts a lot of pressure on us to always be delivering what our customers want, and what being here for what our shippers need to move," says Morton.
While J.E. Russell is importing grapes from California, it's also focusing on bringing in grapes and produce from other regions year-round.
Spotlighting Canadian produce
Meanwhile, locally, right now the wholesaler is also shipping a lineup of local Ontario vegetables from growers such as Pfenning's and Red Devon. However, with a wet spring and a hot summer in Ontario, some plants have thrived while others are having a harder time.
Then there are also strawberries from Quebec which had an interesting development this year. "There are typically two yields–the June Bearing berries and the Day-Neutral. The two seasons almost overlapped this year which is not common. There is usually more of a multi-week gap," says Morton.
In the West, blueberries from British Columbia are starting on time this year with very good quality. "Our partner on those blueberries, Foxy, has done a magnificent job of expanding their growers in B.C. and they just get better year after year," adds Morton.
The J.E. Russell team is still mourning the death of Marco Corbo (right) who rose through the company's ranks from an order picker to becoming VP of sales and operations.
The dog days of August
As for demand, August is a slower month at the Ontario Food Terminal in Etobicoke, Ontario where J.E. Russell operates. "Demand is a bit softer than in the previous few years, but we must remember that we are coming off some very strong years," says Morton, adding that there's no "new normal" in expectations for demand given the shifts the produce industry continually sees. However, he does note that back to school is always an exciting time in the market when local fruit and vegetables are available and see stronger demand.
That said, Canadian shoppers continue to feel the pressure on their budgets at the grocery store due to the inflation-driven cost increases over the past few years. "There has been a move to the value banners and low-cost stores and that has been a meaningful shift in the grocery segment, which has heavily impacted the produce markets," says Morton. "This is the challenge we find ourselves in as a wholesaler in a very competitive terminal market. Consumers are now more than ever asking for the highest quality fresh produce and at a very competitive price. We work hard to ensure that our customers can get what they need while also working to ensure that our partners on the growing end keep thriving. There is nothing to sell without a healthy grower and shipper to start the process."
As the company continues to move ahead in preparing for the fall season, it also is contending with the tragic death of a long-time employee this summer. Marco Corbo was with the company for 28 years and rose through the ranks from an order picker to becoming VP of sales and operations. "Marco was much more than an employee though: he was a mentor to many, and the social hub for the company and really for the entire terminal. His "office" fed and nourished customers and co-workers every day and his laugh will be missed forever," says Morton, who adds that James Meschino has taken over buying the berries from Corbo while Reid Warren has assumed a larger role as director of operations.
For more information:
Hutch Morton
J.E. Russell Produce Ltd.
[email protected]
https://www.jerussell.ca/