North Bay Produce, Inc. is an international, grower-owned, year-round, fresh produce marketing and distribution cooperative, headquartered in Traverse City, Michigan. The company’s twenty stockholders are located in Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Peru and the United States.

HISTORY

Wilderness Fresh Produce was established in 1984 as a division of Cherry Central Cooperative, Inc. to market fresh Michigan apples, asparagus and prune plums for several of its members. In order to meet growing retail demand for year-round fresh produce, the company began importing product from Latin America in the late 1980s to expand its existing supply base. Due to the success of these programs, Wilderness and its Latin American partners formed North Bay Produce, Inc. in 1991. Timeline.

MARKET

Ninety percent of North Bay products are sold to U.S. customers. Eighty-five percent of U.S. sales are made to large retail chains and small retailers and the balance is marketed through wholesalers, food service distributors and ethnic markets. In addition to the U.S. market, North Bay also works with retailers in Canada and Europe and participates in a counter-seasonal apple export program with Latin America.

QUALITY

From the field to the corporate office, North Bay growers and staff are committed to consistently delivering high quality fresh produce. North Bay growers comply with food Safety & Security standards and handling protocols to offer safe, high quality product. Staff at each of our Warehousing & Packing Facilities skillfully inspects and oversees proper handling of all produce distributed by North Bay to guarantee freshness and quality. Both supply and distribution logistics are not only efficient, but also carried out with optimum product awareness to ensure that product is received in excellent condition. If a quality concern should arise, the corporate office will address it quickly and efficiently, using an established protocol and lot identification system.

SERVICE

North Bay is dedicated to earning customer trust and satisfaction through consistent, superior service. Our facilities are open 360 days a year to serve our customers and suppliers. In addition, sales representatives from our corporate office are available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to provide the attention needed for success in the fast paced fresh produce industry. Staff Directory

TECHNOLOGY

All North Bay operations have internet access and e-mail. North Bay is EDI capable and an I-Trade and Fresh Link subscriber for retailers operating in these environments.

Business Profile (PDF File)