Ford's Produce Supply Update

October 17, 2011

A week of colder weather has slowed growth on many local items, and though quality remains excellent, lower supplies are coming from the fields.

Rains in California strawberry fields have put a hurt on supplies, with farmers struggling to fill orders, and prorating them to spread out the availability to everyone. 

Georgia and Florida are beginning eastern vegetable harvests, with cucumbers and zucchini leading the charge.

Onion supplies are plentiful, with several growing areas shipping good quality onions now.

Idaho potato shippers are looking at a great year, and prices are falling fast on the new crop spuds.

It’s the end of summertime, and stonefruit always winds down this time of year.

Q:  How do you fix a pumpkin?

FDA Food Safety Alerts & Recalls

Ford's Produce is Superior Rated!

Fords Produce Facebook Fan Page

Chef of the Month Executive Chef Anthony Wilkins

Picture of Anthony WilkinsYears in a Kitchen:  15

Training:  Wake Technical Community College

Current Position:  Executive Chef, Raleigh Convention Center, Raleigh, NC


Fare:  Large receptions and banquets up to 6,000 people.

Signature Dish:  Mini Sweet Potato Bundles with toasted pecans, vanilla beans, and brown sugar.

Proudest Accomplishment:  “Helping to feed the Hurricane Katrina evacuees.  This took four months and totaled 150,000 meals.”

Biggest Challenge as a Chef:  “Creating a new atmosphere in the Convention Center to make our customers feel that they are in a restaurant instead of a convention center.”

Best Advice to Others in Foodservice:  “Never be afraid of change and be open to suggestions because these things can take you to the next level.”

Family:  Wife Ericka and daughter on the way (Deja)

Interests:  His aquarium with African Cichlids