Strawberry Shortage Nationwide – How Honor Foods Can Help

1. What Happened to Cause the Strawberry Shortage?
2. What is the Result for Suppliers, Food Operators, and Distributors?
3. How Can Honor Foods Help?

‘Tis the Season for strawberry shortcakes, strawberry lemonade, and strawberry salad. The only problem is, where are all the strawberries?

90% of strawberries harvested in the United States are grown in California. However, due to severe flooding in parts of the state, thousands of acres of the crop were lost.

The result is a scramble for strawberries nationwide during peak season and an increased cost.

However, we have a solution.

What Happened to Cause the Strawberry Shortage?

While not many people associate rain with California, that’s exactly what happened earlier this year, just weeks before strawberries were set to be harvested in the area. While the rain did wonders for the drought percentage, dropping it from 74% to 48%, according to Fresh Fruit Portal, the heavy onset of rain also caused severe flooding in areas known for strawberry production. This caused damage to about 20% of the fields in the Monterey Bay region.

To understand why rain that we would typically think was much needed in the area actually caused great harm to the crops, you must first understand why strawberries grow so well in California in a typical year. Strawberries grow best in Mediterranean climates, hot and dry. In California, the year-round moderate temperatures with sunny days and cool, humid nights are ideal for growing the crop. Strawberries are incredibly susceptible to mold, which tends to happen in wet conditions. Therefore, having strawberries sit in a field of puddles, even briefly, is not a good recipe for a healthy crop.

What is the Result for Suppliers, Food Operators, and Distributors?

Plenty of news articles have discussed the effect of the strawberry shortage in grocery stores, citing empty shelves where strawberries previously sat. However, the impact doesn’t stop there. Many items are strawberry-based in a season when many restaurants are releasing their new seasonal menus. It’s a sure sign that the Spring and Summer months are here. However, prices soar in a world where supply is low, and demand is high. This increased cost is affecting the entire foodservice supply chain.

Suppliers making strawberry-based products, like frozen strawberries, smoothie mixes, jams, etc., may not have the supply of raw ingredients available at the level they usually do. This means they have to source new products in a situation where everyone is doing the same, making them harder to come by and, again, an increased price passed down the chain.

For distributors, it takes more work to get your hands on the quantity you need at the time you need it at a beneficial price. This makes just-in-time inventory with strawberry products harder and riskier. It can also create a scramble of looking for a product to ensure your operators keep items off the 86’d list.

For food operators, it affects their menus and prices. For example, if they can’t get enough strawberry products in, they may have to adjust their menu, removing popular menu items.

How Can Honor Foods Help?

Did you know Honor Foods has its own private label called Valley Fresh? Valley Fresh offers a variety of fresh-frozen vegetables, vegetable blends, and fruits, including strawberries! Our strawberries are not sourced from California, but they do compete with the flavor associated with California strawberries.

This also means we have plenty in stock and available for the season of strawberry shortcakes and smoothies. Because they are not sourced from California, the flooding has not impacted the supply we pull from or the cost. In addition, because we already have a relationship with the supplier, we already have orders while others are scrambling to look for a source.

These containers contain large quantities of strawberries versus syrup and excellent coloring. The containers are also square and shorter, making them easier to store.

Conclusion

If you are a distributor searching for strawberries amid a shortage, check out our Valley Fresh brand. Strawberry dishes are a crowd favorite for the spring and summer months. So keep your food operators in stock with a source of delicious, well-packaged, easily accessible strawberries.

About Honor Foods

Honor Foods, a Burris Logistics Company, was founded in 1949 as a redistributor of prepared foods. Since then, Honor Foods has grown into a premier provider of frozen, refrigerated, dry, and dairy products representing more than 300 brand-name food suppliers and carrying more than 3,000 items. For more information about Honor Foods, please visit honorfoods.com. 

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What is Foodservice Redistribution? The Ultimate Guide from Honor Foods

Did you know that half of every dollar spent in the food industry is spent on foodservice or eating meals away from home?

Most people eat at restaurants for one of two reasons, convenience or experience.

Most people don’t think about how much work goes into making dining out a convenient option or a fun experience.

Much like how watermelons don’t grow in the back of a grocery store, your favorite menu items don’t magically appear in the restaurant kitchen. Instead, it is a several-step process that involves many people and multiple touchpoints to ensure your favorite menu items aren’t on the 86’d list.

Food redistribution is one of those steps in the supply chain that has gained popularity over the last several years. Food redistributors, like Honor Foods, get products from manufacturers to distributors, who ultimately deliver them to the restaurant’s kitchen, or at least their backdoor.

Let’s hear from Walt Tullis, President of Honor Foods, about what Foodservice Redistribution is.

“When you step back actually and look at the entire food industry, you have food service; then you have retail. What’s interesting and what a lot of people don’t know is that for every dollar a consumer spends in food, half of it is spent in food service or away from home, so it is a fairly significantly sized industry.  What we do and where we provide value is we buy full truckload quantities of product from manufacturers, bring it into our locations, and then, in turn, sell to the food service distributors.”

What is foodservice redistribution and how does it work?

1. What is Foodservice Redistribution?
2. How does food redistribution work?
3. Where do foodservice redistributors such as Honor Foods fall in the supply chain?
4. Who buys from a foodservice redistributor?
5. Why use a food redistributor?
6. What are the benefits of foodservice redistribution?
7. How does a food redistributor get product, and what products do they carry?
8. How does technology enhance the foodservice redistribution industry?
9. How do I Partner with a foodservice redistributor?

What is Foodservice Redistribution?

Foodservice redistribution is part of the supply chain that helps store and move food destined for the food service space. Food redistributors buy large quantities of a product from a manufacturer that makes a food product for commercial use, such as McCormick or Philly’s Best. The redistributor will then bring the product into their warehouse in large truckload quantities, where it will be divided into smaller quantities and stored until distributors purchase it.  Once a distributor buys a product from a redistributor like Honor Foods, they will sell it to a foodservice company such as a restaurant, school, or hospital.

How does foodservice redistribution work?

Redistribution by definition is simply getting a product and giving it out a different way.

While the term “redistribution” is not new and can pertain to many scenarios, it was not as commonly known in the food industry supply chain until recent years, though it has been around for a while.

Let’s hear from Joe Adams, VP of Sales and Purchasing, about how the foodservice supply chain works and where food redistribution fits in.

“How the supply chain works, if you picture it, you have a manufacturer who creates product, and then you have a distributor who purchases product, and then ultimately you have where the product is consumed, and that consumption is done by operators.  How we support the supply chain is we are in the middle of all that. As the product is made by the manufacturer, we buy from a manufacturer; then we sell to a distributor. If a distributor isn’t capable of buying full trucks loads or isn’t capable of buying it efficiently, we fill in the gap there in the supply chain, and then ultimately, what we are all doing is we are getting the product to the ultimate consumer, which is you and I when we go to restaurants and or our children when they go to school.”

Where do foodservice redistributors such as Honor Foods fall in the supply chain?

A foodservice redistributor is an extra layer in the supply chain between the manufacturer and the distributor.  Their job is to purchase and store large quantities of product, then sell it in smaller quantities as needed to distributors.  This allows multiple distributors to purchase small quantities of items from numerous food suppliers in one place at one time.

The foodservice redistributor also serves as an additional supply source if a distributor runs out of product one of their operators’ needs and cannot get the required quantity directly from the manufacturer.

Who buys from a foodservice redistributor?

Redistributors exclusively sell to distributors. By contract, they cannot sell directly to operators such as schools and restaurants. Redistributors sell to all types of distributors, from broadline distributors such as Sysco and PFG to specialized distributors that may focus exclusively on produce or protein to smaller distributors, often called jobbers.

Why use a foodservice redistributor?

A redistributor is often used because of its storage capability, buying power, the capability of stocking large quantities, and the ability to sell in smaller case quantities than you can get from a manufacturer. Distributors can purchase smaller quantities of products from multiple suppliers at once on a frequent basis, reducing the need for distributors to store items and minimizing risk.

What are the benefits of foodservice redistribution?

Food redistribution has many benefits, including inventory management, lower cost, accessibility, and just-in-time inventory.

For distributors, some of the benefits are:

Let’s hear from Joe Adams about the importance of being cash flow positive, adjusting inventory levels, and the increased need for just-in-time inventory.

In addition to being beneficial for distributors, foodservice redistribution benefits food suppliers. By selling products to redistributors, food suppliers can sell large quantities of products while getting the product into the hands of more food service providers in smaller amounts.

How does a food redistributor get the product, and what products do they carry?

Foodservice redistributors purchase large quantities of products directly from food suppliers such as Perdue, Beyond Meats, and Agrosuper. In addition, they typically carry an extensive range of products from several different food suppliers. For example, Honor Foods has over 300 brand-name food suppliers and carries over 3,000 in-stock items. View the complete Honor Foods product catalog.

How does technology enhance the foodservice redistribution industry?

At Honor Foods, our proprietary technology helps us forecast and buy products. This allows us to ensure we have the right products in the right quantities for our food distribution Partners. It also allows us to provide products if other sources are unavailable. By allowing us to predict market and buying trends, we can provide our foodservice distribution Partners with enough products to keep up with the influx and changing demands of food service companies.

How do I Partner with a foodservice redistributor?

Whether you are a foodservice supplier or a food distributor, we want to Partner with you.

Conclusion:

Working with a foodservice redistribution company like Honor Foods can level the playing field for smaller distributors and provide excellent value in terms of cash flow and inventory management for broadline distributors.  Food redistribution is a valuable part of the supply chain and is pivotal in getting products from food suppliers to food service providers. Learn more about how Honor Foods can Partner with food suppliers and food distributors to help ensure the ingredients for your favorite dish stay stocked in the kitchen and off the 86’d list.

About Honor Foods

Honor Foods, a Burris Logistics Company, was founded in 1949 as a redistributor of prepared foods. Since then, Honor Foods has grown into a premier provider of frozen, refrigerated, dry, and dairy products representing more than 300 brand-name food suppliers and carrying more than 3,000 items. For more information about Honor Foods, please visit honorfoods.com. 

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Each week Honor Foods Dairy Specialist David Albert provides you with Dave’s Weekly Market Update, with some valuable insights on the most current market price changes on eggs, butter, cheese, and cream products.

Eggs:

Eggs have continued to rise as 4th quarter holiday baking is underway. Supplies are still short to needs, so I do expect more next week. There were another 1 million birds taken out due to another outbreak in Iowa. 

Butter:

Butter tanked this week and rebounded some today. We, like everyone, can not get new products in right away, so we have to come down gradually so as not to lose hundreds of thousands of dollars. I never thought this would happen this early in the year. 

Cheese:

Both blocks and Barrels slipped this week. Blocks only a few cents and barrels almost 20 cents. The spread is finally in the proper perspective. Blocks over Barrels but much higher than the old normal of 2 or 3 cents. 

Cream:

Due to the drop in the butter market, we decided to come off some on the price of all our heavy cream. Both Sommer Maid and Golden Sunshine. were reduced in price. We brought in half gallons of half and a half due to the current shortages of this item. It is packed 6/case, and we are going out next week at $4.45 per unit or $2.225 per quart. 

We all thank you and hope you have an awesome weekend.  Go Phillies!

Honor Foods – Value-Added Redistributor

Honor Foods is a Value Added Redistributor with a wide spectrum of services, such as foodservice redistribution; 3000 stocked items from 300 well-known brand name companies; Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, and now Westcoast reaches; low minimums and short lead times; buying group for enhanced purchasing power; commodity-driven comprehensive pricing; and serving foodservice restaurants, academic institutions, and government facilities.

Would Like to Partner With Honor Foods or Learn More?

To learn more about the services that the Honor Foods Dedicated Team provides, give us a call at (800) 462-2890, or click on one of the links to learn why you should choose Honor Foods or, if interested in partnership, click on the button Become An Honor Foods Customer and fill up the form.

About Honor Foods

Honor Foods, a Burris Logistics Company, was founded in 1949 as a redistributor of center-of-the-plate foods. Since then, Honor Foods has grown into the Mid-Atlantic region’s premier provider of frozen, refrigerated, dry, and dairy products, representing more than 300 brand-name food suppliers and carrying more than 3,000 in-stock items. In addition, our exclusive house brands — Colony Lane and Valley Fresh, have a well-earned reputation for top quality and value at competitive prices.

Great products and prices are just part of the Honor Foods value-add. In addition, we pride ourselves on having a Team of dedicated professionals who manage each partnership. Our commitment to your business needs is what makes us unique. Learn more at www.honorfoods.com.

Over the past several decades, women have steadily advanced their careers in third-party logistics, supply-chain distribution, and redistribution due to their dedication, performance, outstanding work ethic, and continuous focus on improvement and success. However, when it comes to professionalism and performance – women rely on their natural ability to multitask and are capable mentors and leaders.

Honor Foods has been the Mid-Atlantic region’s premier redistributor of frozen, refrigerated, dry, and dairy products since 1949, and all that success we would not have achieved if not for Women at Honor Foods. Besides growing as a business, contributing to our Team Members and helping them take care of their families has helped Honor to drastically advance in the marketplace and become increasingly valued by our customers and vendors. In addition, Honor Foods recognizes the merit of supporting women as they are an integral part of our winning business and culture.

Honor Foods is honored to highlight four outstanding women covering all sides of the redistribution business. Dominique Torres is a Recruiter and HR Assistant at Honor Foods, Lisa Bond is an Outside Sales Manager, Amanda Vanderploeg-Yarnall is an Accounts Payable Specialist, and Claudette Kelly is a Transportation Coordinator. Dominique, Lisa, Amanda, and Claudette represent different Honor Foods departments, such as HR, Sales, Financing, and Transportation. All four women are overachievers and known for their compassion to their Team Members, dedication to excellence in customer service, and their work with vendors. Here’s what each one of them identifies as when it comes to being a Woman in Logistics:

Dominique Torres

As a recruiter, Dominique Torres is the first person applicants speak to when they come for an interview. She guides new prospects through the screening processes answering questions about the positions and the company. Dominique ensures applicants feel comfortable during the interview and helps them ease into the conversation by making it more personable and casual. Dominique helps potential hires find the job that would fit them best. To the question, “How does it feel to be a woman in logistics?” she responds:

“I think it’s fantastic! I think it is fantastic to be in the warehouse in general and be a woman in it. People don’t think “women and warehouse go together”… People think it’s just a masculine job. Even when I interview women, sometimes people go, “Oh wow, you are interviewing a woman?” As for me, I feel excited! I think society automatically pushes us to other roles, and I think it is fantastic to see a woman working in this field and flourish in it—even the Truck Drivers. For example, our Truck Driver, Kate Navarro, is so good at what she does and so awesome! I love her! It is great to put an end to the stereotypes and just show society what women can do. And we can do everything.”

Lisa Bond

Lisa Bond, an Outside Sales Manager at Honor Foods, requires her to travel and meet her customers in person. Her role is to represent Honor Foods, showcase new products, and support her customers along the way. Lisa and her team have access to thousands of items from various reputable brands and make her customers‘ life easier by offering them support to increase profitability. Lisa has extensive knowledge of food and constantly implements her expertise into action. To the question, “How does it feel to be a woman in logistics?” she comments:

“It’s definitely a man’s world—the food industry in general. So prior to working for a meatball manufacturer, I worked for a candy manufacturer, more on a retail side. It really showed me that it has certainly been a male-dominated industry. However, things are changing with more women in those roles. I love seeing this change. You certainly have to have tough skin, but in our team, it is not necessary; everyone is so welcoming and supportive. We are like family here at Honor Foods.”

Amanda Vanderploeg-Yarnall

Amanda Vanderploeg-Yarnall is an Accounts Payable Specialist. She processes payroll, handles invoices, and manages inventory. Amanda is a team player and provides help to anyone who needs it. She is also currently learning how to process the expenses for the Purchasing Department, where she gets to know more about the vendors and the way they operate. To the question, “How does it feel to be a woman in logistics?” she states:

“I get along with everyone, so whether it is a male-dominated or female-dominated workplace doesn’t matter to me. Being the people-person that I am – I love working with everybody and find it very easy and enjoyable. As a Woman in Logistics, I feel very welcome here at Honor Foods. It is a very homey type of environment, very family oriented – so I love it!”

Claudette Kelly

Claudette Kelly works as a Transportation Coordinator at Honor Foods. She calls herself a “Watchdog” of the Honor Foods Drivers. Her main task is to ensure that the DOT regulations (for example, service hours) are met. In addition, Claudette ensures that all the necessary safety pre-trip and post-trip procedures are followed and drivers are compliant with their designated routes. Claudette also plays the role of the informer and processes the payroll and billing for the 3pl partners, including the Burris Logistics’ brand Trinity Logistics. To the question, “How does it feel to be a woman in logistics?” she comments:

“When I first started working at Honor Foods, I was the first woman in Transportation. So, I can proudly say that I was the first. About five years ago, we started to hire more, and now we have two other women in the department. I think that we – women have good energy. We are movers and shakers. We want to get the stuff done and move to the next project. I think that women are doing really well in this department. We get things done. I have a daughter who is on the autism spectrum. In my case, being a mom and having a child with special needs, I have to be even more organized because I am not only looking after my child growing up, I have to identify her specific needs in perspective, of where she is now and where do I want her to be. I have to always think about my daughter’s future, which also coincides with my work. Women, we multitask, organize, and prioritize like no other. I think that this is something that we have to do as moms already. And, specifically in my situation, I am used to being that kind of fast-paced person – juggling so many things at a time.”

Dominique, Lisa, Amanda, Claudette, and all the women at Honor Foods help the company grow and flourish because they know that success comes from outstanding product knowledge, excellent customer service, and investment in Team culture.

About Honor Foods

Honor Foods, a Burris Logistics Company, was founded in 1949 as a redistributor of center-of-the-plate foods. Since then, Honor Foods has grown into the Mid-Atlantic region’s premier provider of frozen, refrigerated, dry, and dairy products, representing more than 300 brand-name food suppliers and carrying more than 3,000 in-stock items. In addition, our exclusive house brands — Colony Lane and Valley Fresh, have a well-earned reputation for top quality and value at competitive prices.

Great products and prices are just part of the Honor Foods value-add. In addition, we pride ourselves on having a Team of dedicated professionals who manage each partnership. Our commitment to your business needs is what makes us unique.