Blog Post

industry insights

3rd Quarter 2021 Industry Insights

Blog Post / July 2, 2021

At Peddler’s Son, we have created a quarterly series called the Next 90 Now where Peddler’s Son owners, Joe and Ted Palmisano talk about industry insights, what to expect based on market trends, and updates for the upcoming quarter.

This quarter, Joe and Ted talk about price increases to serve the pent-up demand, supply and demand balance based on farming efforts from last quarter, and more! Tune in to learn why Joe states that “business and convention travel should come back impressively.”

[Next 90 Now July 2021 Video]

Peddler’s Son Is Your Go-To For Industry Insights and Forecasting

Peddler’s Son has provided Arizona businesses with quality wholesale produce for over 30 years. We are committed to customer service, quality, and honest pricing to ensure our customers get the best products and provisions possible. As a family-owned wholesale produce distributor, we provide our services to everyone from the produce department to the hospital cafeteria. No matter your industry, Peddler’s Son is here for you! Contact us today and learn what a partnership with us can mean for your business.

Villa Dolce Gelato

Customer Spotlight: Villa Dolce Gelato

Blog Post / June 23, 2021

Here at Peddler’s Son, we have the pleasure of partnering with many types of businesses around Arizona. Everyone from local restaurants, grocery stores, medical centers, and everything in between. We continue to develop and strengthen relationships with our customers. One of those incredible relationships is with Villa Dolce Gelato, one of the country’s finest wholesale gelato manufacturers. Read our article below and learn more about our partnership with this delicious gelato company. 

Who Are Villa Dolce Gelato?


Villa Dolce opened its doors in 2001 servicing top-tier restaurants in the Los Angeles area. Renowned chefs and personalities quickly embraced their extraordinary products and use their gelato in their restaurants. In 2013, the company expanded into Phoenix, Arizona with a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. 

The Marcaccini brothers started Villa Dolce Gelato to bring Italy’s finest gelato to the United States. Growing up in Rome, they spent many summers on the Italian coast, eating gelato with family and friends. Their gelato is a love letter to those warm, fun summers and honors that tradition of joy and connection with natural ingredients and freshness. 

The Villa Dolce Mission

To provide the best, they have to be the best. Villa Dolce Gelato’s mission is to make the best quality product in the industry. Villa Dolce is driven to elevate dessert and convey a sensory experience through clean, natural, artisan recipes. They take pride in the details, from balancing simple and complex flavors to developing textures, contrasts, and a velvety smooth finish.  

To achieve this, the Marcaccini brothers and their ingredient partners implement the best business practices to ensure their products benefit future generations. These practices include:

  • USDA organic certification
  • High standards for animal care and environment stewardship
  • Utilizing new technology to improve product life
  • Reduces waste
  • Fosters innovation

Peddler’s Son’s Partnership with Villa Dolce Gelato

Villa Dolce has chosen us as their produce supplier because of our tenacity for quality, integrity, and transparency. Additionally, we make sure they receive the products they need to ensure their operations continue to their highest potential. We focus on delivering fresh ingredients so they can focus on creating the delicious products they’re known for.

Peddler’s Son is Arizona’s Choice for Produce Delivery

Peddler’s Son has over 30 years of experience and knowledge in foodservice delivery. We give clients like Villa Dolce Gelato and many others the confidence that they are receiving the best products and service around. We’re proud of the partnerships and relationships we’ve built over the years and look forward to continuing to assist in their success. Contact us today to learn what a culinary partnership can mean for you.

Cherry

It’s Cherry Season! Why and How to Add Them Into Your Diet

Uncategorized, Blog Post / June 3, 2021

Cherries are one of the most beloved fruits on the planet for their delicious, juicy flavor. We look forward to stone fruit season all year, and the cherry is one of the many reasons. But, a lot of people underestimate that they’re an excellent source of nutrition. So as you relax and enjoy the warmer weather, why not buy a bag from your local grocery store and take a bite into a summer favorite.

When they’re available, Peddler’s Son carries delicious cherries that restaurants, caterers, healthcare facilities, and schools can incorporate into their menus. We bring in quality produce from around the world to ensure your business is stocked with the best food in Arizona. 

The Nutritional Benefits of the Cherry Fruit

While cherries may be small, they are packed with flavors and nutrients. All varieties of cherries are highly nutritious. According to Healthline, one cup of sweet, raw, pitted cherries contains:

  • Calories: 97
  • Protein: 2 grams
  • Carbs: 25 grams
  • Fiber: 3 grams
  • Vitamin C: 18% of the Daily Value (DV)
  • Potassium: 10% of the DV
  • Copper: 5% of the DV
  • Manganese: 5% of the DV

Additionally, the cherry is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Molecules conducted a study and found that they reduced inflammation in 11 out of 16 studies and oxidative stress in 8 out of 10 studies. It’s also been shown that increasing your intake of fruits is beneficial to one’s heart.

The cherry fruit is also an incredible resource for people seeking help in improving sleep quality. This may be attributed to the fruit’s high concentration of plant compounds. Not to mention cherries contain melatonin, a chemical compound that regulates our sleep-wake cycle. A study was conducted that showed that subjects who drank cherry juice for 7 days experienced a significant increase in melatonin levels, resulting in better sleep quality.

Cherries Are Easy to Add to Your Diet

The cherry fruit is an incredibly versatile, delicious fruit that can be easily added to your diet. Both tart and sweet varieties pair well with many different foods. Plus, there are an array of products, like dried cherries, cherry powder, and juice to freshen up your recipes. The possibilities are endless, and you won’t regret adding these delicious flavors into your diet.

We Promise with a Cherry On Top, These Recipes Are Worth It

Looking for a dish that blends the flavors of sweet and spicy? Why not try this incredible Cherry Chutney recipe? All you need is 3 cups of pitted cherries, some bell peppers, ginger, cardamom, balsamic vinegar, and other basic ingredients. This recipe is perfect on grilled chicken or as a side to your favorite summer dish. 

What about the perfect summer salad? When you add cherries into this amazingly fresh recipe, you’ll never look at leafy salads the same again. All you need is a watermelon, 2 cups of cherries, blueberries, an English cucumber, feta cheese, mint leaves, and other easily obtainable ingredients. 

In the mood for dessert? Why not go with an American classic. The cherry pie is a summer staple that’s always a hit at dinner parties or backyard barbeques. Taste of Home has a delicious recipe that is bound to please your guests or your party of one.

These are just a few recipes that use cherries to enhance their flavors. It’s such a versatile fruit, we bet you can find countless other ways to incorporate it into your favorite dishes. 

Peddler’s Son is the Go-To Source for Quality Produce Distribution

At Peddler’s Son, we work with a variety of vendors to ensure they receive products that their customers want. Whether you are a local restaurant, healthcare food service provider, grocery store, or school, our team is committed to your food needs. Contact us today to learn what products and services we can provide you.

Produce

What to Expect in Your Produce Department This June

Uncategorized, Blog Post / June 3, 2021

With a majority of crops in good supply and quality, we anticipate a delicious start to the summer. However, there are a few items you should be aware of when ordering for your produce department. 

Peddler’s Son has over 30 years of experience providing grocery retailers, restaurants, healthcare facilities, and schools with wholesale produce. With 54,000 square feet of warehouse space and over 30 delivery trucks feeding all of Arizona, we’re the go-to source for produce distribution. Read our article below to learn what you can expect this month in your produce department.

Raspberries and Blackberries are Trending Down

The price for blackberries and raspberries are trending down right now due to low consumer demands. Supplies also remain tight due to the downswing of production in Mexico. Additionally, growers are continuing to report quality challenges that are impacting these items. We recommend that you carefully check the quality of these products before you sell these items.

Brussels Sprouts Supplies are Light

Brussels Sprouts supplies are very light right now, but with good availability on smaller size sprouts. The demand for these items remains average, but consumers must be cautious of the quality. 

Grapes Are In Bad Supply and Quality

The Import Grape season is coming to a close.  Mexico is experiencing heavy rains which are affecting these products. It’s causing issues on arrival and grape quality. Additionally, the excess rain and high temperatures are significantly impacting the shelf life of these products.

Peddler’s Son Excellence in Wholesale Produce 

Peddler’s Son has provided Arizona businesses with quality wholesale produce for over 30 years. We are committed to customer service, quality, and honest pricing to ensure our customers get the best products and provisions possible. As a family-owned wholesale produce distributor, we provide our services to everyone from the produce department to the hospital cafeteria. No matter your industry, Peddler’s Son is here for you! Contact us today and learn what a partnership with us can mean for your business.

Cross-docking

How Does Cross-Docking Get Me My Food On Time?

Uncategorized, Blog Post / June 21, 2021

When it comes to the transportation of fresh produce items, keeping a streamlined supply chain is top of mind. Getting food delivered from farms to customers in the least amount of time is essential to keep items fresh and prolong their shelf life. Cross-docking provides many benefits to companies and consumers when it comes to speed and productivity, but what exactly is this method and how does it help get you your food on time?

Below we explain how cross-docking works and why it is essential for fresh produce distribution.

What is Cross-Docking?

In simple terms, cross-docking is an efficient logistic procedure where inbound items from suppliers are received at a dedicated warehouse and immediately transferred to an outbound dock. 

The products can be transported through trucks or trailers and placed on the receiving side of the terminal dock. Once unloaded, they can be transferred to the outbound dock on the other side of the terminal by use of forklifts, conveyor belts, pallet trucks or other means.

After being loaded on the outbound dock, the products can then be transported to their end destination.

Benefits of Cross-Docking

There are many benefits of using the cross-docking method when it comes to fresh produce distribution. Cross-docking greatly reduces the amount of handling products receive during transportation, which minimizes the risk of misplacing, mislabeling, or misnumbering products. 

Additionally, cross-docking reduces the amount of time items are placed in storage making the handling of inventory easier and more efficient. 

Both of these benefits of reducing handling and storage time directly translate into more financial savings too. Having less manpower to monitor everything reduces labor and storage costs. 

Finally, cross-docking greatly reduces shipping times. By making storage time non-existent, minimizing handling, and transferring products immediately after receiving them means customers will get their produce at the right time.

Peddler’s Son Excellence in Wholesale Produce

 Peddler’s Son has provided Arizona businesses with quality wholesale produce for over 30 years. We are committed to customer service, quality, and honest pricing to ensure our customers get the best products and provisions possible. As a family-owned wholesale produce distributor, we provide our services to everyone from the produce department to the hospital cafeteria. No matter your industry, Peddler’s Son is here for you! Contact us today and learn what a partnership with us can mean for your business.

Herbs and Spices

7 Common Herbs and Spices With Incredible Health Benefits

Blog Post, Uncategorized / May 14, 2021

For centuries, herbs and spices have played an incredible role in the world’s history. Ancient Egyptians used them to preserve their deceased leaders through mummification. They were a hot commodity that several civilizations traded for goods, services, and gold. In the 1600s, the East India Trading Company became one of the most powerful trading companies in history by distributing and trading spices with countries in Europe and Asia.

Today, herbs and spices may not be quite as appreciated as they once were, but they still have an incredible influence on our lives. They hold extraordinary health benefits that help our bodies fight inflammation and other conditions, with some even improving brain function. As one of the leading produce distributors in Arizona, we’ve listed a few herbs and spices’ health benefits that you should know about. 

Cardamom Soothes Upset Stomachs

Cardamom is a spice made from the seeds of several plants in the Zingiberaceae family. It has a strong, unique taste, with an intensely aromatic fragrance that is commonly used in Indian cuisine. Additionally, it is often used in baking in Nordic countries, such as Sweden, Norway, and Finland. 

The cooling effects of cardamom can help relieve acidity and help in treating gastrointestinal issues like indigestion, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Not to mention it may have positive effects on people’s bad breath, depression, and sexual dysfunction. 

Cinnamon May Lower Blood Sugar Levels

Cinnamon is more than just a coffee enhancer or delicious sweet treat. It’s an aromatic spice that is widely used in baking, beverages, and snack foods. It’s also an incredible spice that can help fight inflammation and lower cholesterol and triglycerides. Probably the most apparent is its effects on our blood sugar levels. It’s capable of slowing down the breakdown of carbs in our digestive tract, and for diabetics, may improve insulin sensitivity. 

Turmeric Can Reduce Inflammation

Next time you devour a plate of curry, you might appreciate its spices’ anti-inflammatory effects. Turmeric, a spice commonly used in Indian cuisine, contains curcumin which is effective against inflammation. Almost every chronic disease involves some low-level inflammation, but incorporating turmeric more into your diet may significantly reduce its effect on your body. 

Holy Basil May Help Fight Infections and Enrich Your Immunity

This isn’t your normal basil, you won’t find it in Nonna’s marinara sauce or a hot bowl of pho. This leafy plant is native to Southeast Asia and has a rich history in Indian medicine. It’s been able to treat several ailments, such as eye diseases, ringworms, and upset stomachs.

Studies have shown that holy basil can inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and molds while boosting certain immune cells in our blood. Additionally, the herb is linked to reducing blood sugar levels before and after meals, and may even treat anxiety. 

Boost Your Heart Health with Cocoa

While cocoa is one of the most delicious treats on the planet, it also has tremendous health benefits. The cocoa bean contains flavonoids, which are antioxidants that promote heart health. Flavonoids have been shown to lower cholesterol and blood pressure to help keep the heart’s coronary arteries in top health. 

Rosemary Prevents Allergies and Congestion

One of the active ingredients found in rosemary is rosmarinic acid, which has been shown to suppress allergic reactions and nasal congestion. In 2004 a 21-day study was conducted which found 50 and 200 mg doses of rosmarinic acid were able to suppress the subjects’ allergy symptoms.  Additionally, they found the number of immune cells in nasal mucus decreased, reducing their overall congestion.

Spice Up Your Health with Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is a type of chili pepper that is used to spice up a variety of dishes. But, it contains capsaicin, an ingredient that has been shown to reduce one’s appetite and increase fat burning. However, it’s important to note that people who are used to eating spicier food are more tolerant of the effects cayenne pepper provides.

Spice Up Your Menu and Health with Our Herbs and Spices

Peddler’s Son is one of the premier whole produce distributors in Arizona. We strive to deliver quality products to a range of industries, like those in healthcare, education, and catering. You may not know that we have our own line of herbs and spices to help make your food burst with flavor. Our products are minimally processed to maintain longer shelf life and quality flavor. Contact us today to learn more about our herbs and spices and produce wholesale delivery.

February 2021 Fresh Produce Distribution Recap

February 2021 Fresh Produce Distribution Recap

Blog Post / March 24, 2021

Cool-weather and freezing temperatures were the big talking points in the month of February for fresh produce distribution, according to National Produce Consultants. Six out of the 11 produce items on alert throughout February were due to these two issues with berries and corn being the most affected. 

The two commodity items were on alert all month as berries endured the “perfect storm” during February. Freezes in Mexico, heavy rain in Chile, and the high demand for Valentine’s Day all put a big strain on the berries market. The freeze in Mexico and rain in Florida also impacted corn production throughout the entire month.

Over on the West Coast, wind and rain put a strain on strawberries during Valentine’s Day push, and while Mexico and Florida had their issues during February, both were able to slightly help out states like California.

Surprisingly, Chile’s grape production had the most unstable month of any region as they dealt with COVID-19 issues and extreme weather. The troubles began with an entire Chilean vessel having to quarantine due to positive cases on board. This was followed by extreme rainfall, resulting in fungi growth that destroyed the grape roots, causing over $600 million in crop damages.

Eggplant production in South Florida was also down due to cold weather, along with  cucumber dealing with tight supply from Honduras and Mexico. 

Speaking of tight supply, bananas, cantaloupe, and honeydew all experienced tight supplies as Central and South American countries continue to recover from hurricane damage from November. Celery experienced short supply at the beginning of February but the strain eased by the end of the month. Supply shortages of lime, on the other hand, increased as the month went on due to quality and travel issues, resulting in very high pricing.

Fresh Produce Watch

Items Affected by Cool Weather

Berries – Corn – Strawberries – Grapes – Eggplant – Cucumber 

Items Affected by Supply

Bananas – Cantaloupe – Honeydew – Limes – Celery

View full reports.

What to Expect At Your Local Fresh Produce in March

Supply for berries will continue to be tight as Mexico farms recover from recent freezes. Additionally, a production gap is expected in the coming weeks for corn, which means prices will continue to increase.

The grape situation in Chile looks severe; supply is expected to be limited until Mexico begins production. The extreme rainfall, leaving grapes underwater for days, combined with the high humidity that followed, have all contributed to the spread of the fungi.

The tight supply and high prices of limes are expected to continue while production of bananas will also remain tight as Summer production gets closer. 

Finally, supply is expected to improve for cantaloupe, cucumber, eggplant, and strawberries, as they get help from growing regions in Guatemala, California, Florida, and Mexico.

Peddler’s Son Is Here For You

As a family-owned wholesale produce distributor since 1988, Peddler’s Son is here to help your business grow. We provide exceptional customer service through transparency and integrity while building valuable relationships with Arizona organizations with the best quality fresh produce and provisions. Contact us today to learn more about becoming a customer.

A farm truck carrying a large amount of melons for distribution

December 2020 Fresh Produce Distribution Recap

Blog Post / January 4, 2021

Fresh produce distribution ended 2020 with a tricky month of December according to weekly market reports by National Produce Consultants. The fresh produce industry was tasked with preparing for the holiday season in December after coming off the Thanksgiving demand in November. This particular time of the year, with lots of high demand products, resulted in 16 fresh produce items on alert throughout the month.

Weather and transition issues were the primary causes for these alerts as many wet vegetables have been suffering from unfavorable weather conditions. This is especially true for countries in Central America as both Guatemala and Honduras were hit with two tropical storms back to back in the middle of December. This affected both countries severely in the production of cantaloupe and honeydew. Additionally, Mexico and Ecuador both suffered from hurricane damage hindering the production of bananas in the region.

On the other hand, transition issues impacted lettuces at the beginning of December. But as new crops are in full swing, lettuces are finally seeing a break after a few troublesome months. Other fresh produce items affected by transition included curly parsley, cauliflower, and broccoli, with parsley being the most severe out of the three.

Fresh Produce Watch

Items Affected By Weather

Green Beans – Cantaloupe – Honeydew – Corn – Bananas – Tomatoes – Summer Squash – Strawberries – Eggplant

Items Affected By Transition

Curly Parsley – Cauliflower – Romaine – Broccoli – Iceberg – Green Leaf

Other Distribution Issues

Mushrooms (Demand)

To view the full reports click here.

What to Expect At Your Local Fresh Produce in January

Jumping the last holiday season hurdle will have a big impact on the fresh produce industry coming into the new year. With the high demand season coming to an end, many markets will see a decrease. 

While transition periods are over for lettuces and the domestic season for citrus is in full swing, there are still quite a few issues when it comes to wet vegetables. With unfavorable weather on the East Coast the past few months and the pull from Thanksgiving, corn and green beans might be slow to recover. Additionally the production of cantaloupe, honeydew, and bananas will heavily depend on how fast Central American countries recover from the tropical storms and hurricanes. 

On the other hand, growing regions in Arizona and California are enjoying good conditions helping offset the problems of rain, wind, and freezes in the East Coast. Citrus season is off to a bright start as more Washington area oranges have come into the market starting in mid-to-late December.

Finally, with COVID-19 cases continuing to rise, many states are implementing new regulations on states, which is impacting the food distribution industry. It is important to stay aware of local and state regulations as well as plan orders accordingly and ahead of time as trucking was also an issue during the month of December.

Peddler’s Son Is Your Produce Wholesaler

As a family-owned wholesale produce distributor since 1988, Peddler’s Son is here to help your business grow. We provide exceptional customer service through transparency and integrity while building valuable relationships with Arizona organizations with the best quality products. Contact us today to learn more about our distribution capabilities.

A holiday gathering inside a fancy restaurant with a seafood dish

7 Holiday Restaurant Promotions

Blog Post / December 21, 2020

With the holiday season upon us, restaurants are getting ready for what is undoubtedly their busiest time of the year. It’s been a rough year for the food service industry, with COVID-19 having a big impact on restaurants. But now, with Christmas and New Year’s just around the corner, restaurants can make up for some of the loss they might have suffered during lockdowns. 

The holidays are a time to be festive, thankful, and a time to do something special for your customers. With plenty of restaurants competing for guests, here are some holiday promotions that will help your restaurant stand out from the competition, making your restaurant the go-to place for the holidays.

Gift Card Promotions 

Gift cards are a great way to gain new customers and also retain your current customers. Offering gift cards during their visits can make for a great last-minute gift for their loved ones. Some gift card promotions can be for a free $20 gift card after spending at least $100 on gift cards, or a free $10 gift card after spending $50. Make sure you have your staff offering these to each and every guest that comes into your restaurant and make the packaging appealing!

Give Back to the Community

Host an event giving back to the less fortunate in your community. You can partner with a charity of your choice and have a portion of the sales go to them. You can also do things such as a toy-drive or a canned-food drive at your restaurant for people to drop off. Giving back is always a great way to bring you and your guest closer together.

Offer Special Catering or Take-Out Options

While the holidays are the busiest time of the year for restaurants, this year people might rather stay home and maintain social distancing. But you can still offer these customers options to enjoy your food. By offering special holiday meals they can enjoy a traditional holiday dinner in the comfort of their own home. You can create a special menu with holiday favorites and can offer curbside pick-up, delivery, or regular take-out. 

Create A Festive Menu

Speaking of holiday meals, make sure you create a festive menu with some holiday favorites for your guests to enjoy. By switching up your menu during this time of year you can create a sense of excitement in the build-up towards the holiday season by offering dishes that are only available for a limited time. 

Decorate

This is not necessarily a promotion but should be a given during the festive period. Make sure the environment inside your restaurant is welcoming and cheerful for every guest. Don’t just focus on lights on the outside or inside, think of table decorations, music choice, maybe even put holiday favorites on the television screens if you have them. All of this to make the atmosphere as fun and as bright as possible.

Advertise Early

As mentioned earlier, a lot of restaurants will be competing for customer’s attention this holiday season, therefore it is important to start announcing your holiday promotions and specials as soon as possible. Is your restaurant taking reservations? Are you offering a festive menu? Will you be open on the day of the major holidays? 

All of this is vital information that customers will want to know, this way they can already have you in their mind while planning for the holiday period. A good way to advertise your festive promotions is through social media, emails, or even flyers posted on your restaurant to keep people informed and aware.

Treat Your Top Customers

People love to feel appreciated and acknowledged for their business, take this opportunity to give thanks to your top customers by offering them early promotions this holiday season. You can do so by emailing them first about upcoming events, early reservations, or even small gifts such as gift cards or a box of chocolates. All of this will go a long way in showing your appreciation towards the people that support your business.

Holiday Season With Peddler’s Son

While all of these promotions will take you a long way in having a successful holiday, you cannot forget about the main reason these families come into your establishment, the food. This season, make sure you get your produce from one of the leading food distributors in Arizona. 

As a family-owned wholesale produce distributor since 1988, Peddler’s Son is here to help your business grow. We provide exceptional customer service through transparency and integrity and continue to build valuable relationships by supplying Arizona customers with the best quality products. Contact us today to learn more about becoming a customer.

Scroll to Top