“We have excellent sources for the offshore blueberry season which is just starting and will continue through the fall and winter seasons,” said Steve Moffat, vice president of finance. “As the domestic deals wind down, the retail community is eager to start with the Peruvian grapes and the Chilean stone fruit seasons, with cherries arriving in early November.”

What’s more, the introduction of fresh stone fruit and grapes brings varieties that the consumers look forward to with large sizing and impeccable quality, he said.

“We will be attending IFPA and scheduling meetings throughout the event to ensure we have a bountiful supply of fresh quality produce,” Moffat said.

North American Produce Buyers manage most of its distribution at the Ontario Food Terminal and have a team of agronomists that specialize in offshore programs — available at all times — evaluating quality to ensure the company offers the best product to retailers.

“Logistics have been a source of pain for everyone in the industry,” Moffat said. “We manage this pain with our in-house team led by Sandro Saragiotto at Offshore Canada Logistics, who has direct connections with all or our growers from beginning to end.”

Sustainability is always top of mind for the company and the retailers it works with, which is why the company has partnered with retailers to address their needs and its own requirements to be more eco-friendly in all aspects of the business.

North American Produce Buyers works diligently to maintain long-term partnerships with growers around the world, and those relationships benefit Canadian consumers throughout the fall season.

“The key to maintaining long-term partnerships is to treat your grower as a partner,” Moffat said. “Product availability and high-quality product are achieved by treating our growers as partners. Our in-house logistics specialists get our fruit here using the fastest and best routes available. The QC team ensures that produce is in great condition from our hands to the retailers. We believe this is what separates us — offering the highest quality fruit.”

Recently, the company has brought on Cristian Tagle as vice president of South American imports to maintain relationships in the southern hemisphere. “Cristain brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from his many years in the fresh industry,” Moffat said.

Looking ahead, North American Produce Buyers plans to increase the supply of the highest quality fruit so that the retailers can provide the consumer with the best possible experience.

“Retailers demand the highest quality fruit at a competitive price to please the consumer,” Moffat said.