About
Star Produce
Star Produce
Star Produce began as a tomato repacker in 1989 and has grown to be Western Canada’s preeminent distributor of the freshest fruits and vegetables. Our team of produce specialists have made Star Produce a leader in grower direct programs with more than 100 offshore programs. Over 200,000 square feet of refrigerated distribution space is strategically located in Calgary AB and Vancouver BC. All facilities are SQF certified and allow for daily distribution across Canada, with reach into the Pacific Northwest.
Our US sales team accesses growing deals from our various enterprises to service retailers across the US. Star Produce is expanding rapidly from our traditional markets in the Pacific Northwest to major retailers across America. Our facilities in Florida, Washington and Arizona are equipped to deliver fresh from the field items across the US.
Safety & Growing
Food Safety
Star Produce is committed to quality and food safety. We consistently monitor our produce to ensure we meet and exceed all food safety regulations. Each one of our facilities participates in a comprehensive annual program of independent third-party food safety audits.
Among these audits and food safety measures are:
- HACCP facilities – annual outside audits conducted
- Lot traceability and recall procedures
- Tsunami Wash for fresh tomatoes to reduce the risk of E-coli, Listeria and Salmonella
- Strict requirements for our growers to follow Good Agricultural Practices (GAP’s) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s) in their fields and packing houses. Records of certificates, logs and audits are required for each of our growers
- All suppliers are COOL compliant
- Our facilities are SQF certified
Growing Methods
From state-of-the-art greenhouses that utilize integrated pest-management systems to stone-fruit growers that provide in-field trapped technology, we are focused on improving growing methods.
We work diligently with our seed, packaging, logistics and industry partners to provide our growers with the latest advancements available. This in turn maximizes the quality and yield while minimizing the harmful effects to the environment.
OUR
SERVICES
Information Systems
At Star Produce we make every effort to be as informed as possible. By having relevant and current information at our fingertips we know the answers before the questions arise. We have an industry leading reporting and tracking inventory system that aids us on a daily basis with:
- Real time tracking of order processing from the time the order is taken through to delivery of the product.
- Immediate access to product quality and traceability information.
- Ongoing exploration into ways to improve all aspects of customer service.
- Streamlining inventory management and shipping processes.
- Supporting electronic information exchanges.
Sales & Marketing
Passionate about produce, our sales and marketing teams work with our category managers to ensure that we are aligning our growers’ production with our customers’ needs. We use a hands-on approach to consistently provide the best products available while constantly sourcing new ones.
Our category approach to sales provides the most current information on our crops, varieties and production. Working closely with the sales team, the Star Produce marketing team is key behind the scenes. We stay up to date on current trends, product development and work to produce exciting marketing campaigns for our partners. That is why we are known for service, selection and quality.
Operations & Quality Assurance
At Star Produce, we take a hands-on approach to quality assurance. We regularly perform on-site inspections of our growers. At our network of state-of-the-art warehouse facilities, our operations and quality control teams work closely with the logistics and sales departments to ensure the highest standards of quality and safety.
To meet each customer’s specific requirements, our operations teams are responsible for re-packing produce. Each one of our teams stays up to date on current international regulations and food safety requirements so we can provide nothing but the best to our partners.
Logistics
At Star Produce, our in-house logistics department oversees all of our shipping. We work with a network of the best carriers in North America to ensure the highest quality of service. This allows us to support our growers’ needs and create flexible shipping options for our customers.
Full online tracking and traceability are key components to providing timely information to our customers. At Star Produce, our reliability is a source of pride.
OUR
Associations
For years, we at Star Produce have believed we have a responsibility to contribute to the overall health of the industry. So we actively work with government and get involved in industry associations as members or representatives.
Star Produce is proud to be an active member of the following industry organizations:
International Fresh Produce Association
Canadian Produce Marketing Association
Texas International Produce Association
Fresh Produce Association of the Americas
The Dispute Resolution Corporation
The Horticultural Value Chain Roundtable
The North American Trade Task Force
Industry Associations
