L&M expands into Benton Harbor Market
L&M expands into Benton Harbor Market
L&M Cos. has stepped up its operations in Michigan with the announcement that it is open for business at the Benton Harbor Market.
L&M Cos. has consolidated its summer vegetable program in Michigan and is now open for business at the Benton Harbor Market. The company is currently working with five multi-generational producers out of the market. (Photo courtesy of L&M Cos.)“In addition to working with several wonderful growers this year, we are happy to have a place we can officially call home on the Benton Harbor Market,” said Greg Cardamone, general manager of L&M’s vegetable division. “We are excited by this venture and the opportunity to represent growers in the most diverse growing area the East has to offer. The Benton Harbor Fruit Market has a rich history in providing fresh fruit and vegetables to the East, and we look forward to serving our customers with fresh product from growers that represent multiple generations of growing in Michigan.”
L&M is a fully integrated, year-round supplier of fresh produce. Michigan has been an important component of the company’s summer vegetable program, and location at the market gives L&M the opportunity to consolidate a full vegetable line. Mr. Cardamone said L&M is currently working with five growers out of Benton Harbor. L&M has two warehouses and occupies 6,000 square feet of space at the market, housing two sales people and two quality control staff members.
According to Mr. Cardamone, L&M has been talking with its customers about this expansion all year. “Targeted advertising has been in April, May and June,” he added.
He was asked about conditions during the 2012 production season in Michigan. “It’s been warm and dry,” he responded. “So we are a little ahead of schedule, expecting to start first week in July on cabbage and squash. Cukes and bell pepper will follow shortly thereafter.”
L&M’s customer base is broad. “We have good retail business throughout the eastern part of the United States with a focus on the Southeast,” Mr. Cardamone stated. “[We market to] wholesalers and foodservice, as well as up and down the East Coast.”
Distribution from the Benton Harbor Market will focus on movement east of the Mississippi. “Our Western business is serviced out of our Nogales office, distributing from northern Mexico, the Baja and California,” he added.
