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
Late Summer Update
We are moving into the later part of the summer season and while there is still plenty of great local product available, we are starting to see some of our summer favorites begin to wind down.
Stone Fruit
This is the last call for peaches and nectarines. Many California farms have finished their season and much of the product currently on the market is now coming from Idaho. The fruit still has good flavor but signs are pointing to peaches and nectarines not being around for much longer. Plums and pluots should continue through September with late-season varieties such as Black Cat plums now available and eating great.
Apples & Pears
The new apple and pear harvests are beginning in both California and Washington. Gala apples are currently the best eating and most available. Their sweet flavor and attractive red blush make them an early-season favorite. Bartlett pears have also started and are a great choice with their sweet flavor and easy-to-eat texture. Fresh-crop Fuji apples should begin in approximately two weeks, while D’Anjou pears are expected in the next two to three weeks. Red pears from the Hood River region of Oregon are also here and are a great way to add both color and flavor to the menu.
Figs
Green Kadota and Black Mission figs are back in action for their fall season. We have been eating some very flavorful fruit, and now is a great time to enjoy these seasonal favorites.
Tomatoes
Tomato season has been fantastic this year, and we should continue to see great tomatoes until the rain and colder weather arrive. Many of our favorite local farms, including Strong Arm Farm (formerly Happy Boy), Coke, Riverdog, and Luna, are still providing excellent mixed heirloom tomatoes. Terra Firma has finished with its crop, but Early Girl tomatoes are still coming in strong. Mixed medley tomatoes, Sweet 100s, and Sun Golds are also eating exceptionally well.
Cherries
Cherry season has officially come to an end. Until next year!
Berries
Strawberry harvests are currently slim due to the recent heat which has damaged some crops. We are using both conventional and organic fruit daily to help ensure the best possible quality and flavor.
Melons
California-grown melons are cutting and eating extremely well right now. Watermelons continue to be very good, while orange-flesh honeydews, Galia melons, and Hami melons are all showing excellent flavor.
Local Sweet Peppers
Also making their late-summer presence felt are local sweet peppers. We have some very nice Jimmy Nardello chiles and Gypsy peppers available. Both varieties offer great sweetness and versatility and can be used in a wide range of late-summer dishes.
New Spice Program
Don’t forget to ask us about our new spice program! We are offering a great price point on many kitchen and pantry staples. If you are looking to add spices and pantry items to your regular orders, please inquire for more information and pricing.
As we move toward the fall season there is still plenty of great summer produce available, but now is the time to enjoy some of these seasonal favorites before they are gone!
Please email us at sales@clproduce.com or call us at 510-893-9010 for more information.
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!
