Superior Service + Consistent Quality = Unbeatable Value.
C&L Produce is a local family owned and operated wholesale produce company located in the Oakland produce market near Jack London Square. C&L has been a part of this historic produce market since operations began in 1949. Yes, this means we have been delivering fresh produce to the greater Bay Area for over 70 years! We provide the highest quality fruits and vegetables, along with a variety of other food service items such as dairy, artisan cheeses, tortillas, fresh juice, spices, grains, vinegar, micro greens and much more. Taking pride in our quality and service has allowed for three generations of superior family-operated services to benefit our Bay Area community.
Utilizing C & L for your produce needs has several unique benefits, some of which include custom cuts of fruits and vegetables, seasonal education through our weekly produce market reports, and individualized service as our valued customer. We continually strive to build lasting relationships with our customers by providing premium local produce at great prices with the best service available. Contact us today to learn more about what C & L can do for you!
Produce Buyer’s Seasonal Report
Weekly Produce Market Update
Fall Season Transition
As we move into fall we’re seeing some of our favorite summer products begin to wind down while a fresh lineup of seasonal favorites starts to take center stage. Here’s what’s happening in the market and what you can expect to see in the coming weeks.
Saying Goodbye to Summer Favorites
- Figs: The season is nearly finished, with a few organic Black Mission figs still available.
- Stone Fruit: It’s the final call for pluots and plums this week. If you have been enjoying these late season favorites now is the time to get them in!
- Summer Corn: Brentwood’s local white and yellow corn season has officially wrapped up. We had a wonderful season and are thankful for the quality our local farms delivered.
- Blue Lake Beans: These local favorites are making their farewell tour. Brentwood farms are predicting another one to two weeks of availability before the season comes to an end.
Commodity Market & Sourcing Update
We are entering a seasonal transition for many commodity items including leaf lettuce, green onions, soft squash, and peppers. During this time, sourcing will shift between California, Arizona, and Mexico as growing regions change.
At C&L Produce, we will continue to focus on sourcing the best product at the best value throughout this transition. It has also been an active hurricane season south of the border and we will be keeping a close eye on weather patterns and their potential impact on growing regions, crop availability, and pricing.
Local Fall Favorites Are Arriving!
Some products are thriving in this in between weather and our local farms are delivering some beautiful fall offerings.
- Chard: Green and rainbow chard from Coke Farms is coming in with outstanding color and flavor.
- Chicories: Our local chicory selection is really taking off! Blond frisée, red dandelion, Treviso, and Castelfranco are all looking beautiful.
- Anise & Leeks: Locally grown anise and leeks are getting started, with excellent sizing and great flavor.
Hard Squash Season Is Here
Fall squash is officially in full swing and the products arriving at our warehouse have been outstanding. We currently have a fantastic selection of locally sourced organically grown varieties including:
- Delicata
- Honeynut
- Butternut
- Red Kuri
- Kabocha
- Sugar Pie Pumpkins
These organic hard squash varieties are expected to be available from our local farms through the beginning of the year, giving you plenty of time to feature them on your menus throughout the fall and winter seasons.
Pumpkins, Pumpkins, Pumpkins!
Yes it’s that time of year again! Whether you’re looking for pumpkins for seasonal décor, painting, carving, or fall displays, we has you covered. We have a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors to fit your needs.
Please reach out to our team with your pumpkin needs and we’ll be happy to help you find the right selection and deliver them directly to you.
Specialty Items
Not only do we offer a wide array of fresh fruits and vegetables here at C & L Produce, but also useful fresh food service items such as milk products, cheese, eggs, butter, nuts, legumes, grains, freshly squeezed juices, and tortillas for your convenience. Check out our Specialty Items section towards the bottom of the Fresh Produce page for more details on what we have to offer!
Processed Fruits and Vegetables
Need your fruits or vegetables diced or sliced but don’t seem to have the time or help to make it happen? Let C & L Produce take care of it for you! We can freshly prepare and customize any product and deliver to your restaurant sealed and ready to use. Popular produce items we process include onions, lettuces, fruit salads, carrots, celery, green beans, potatoes, squash, and much more. Our processing room offers your operation a professional solution to time consuming tasks. Please inquire for a sample!
