After a fast-paced first quarter, Nickey Gregory Co. is carrying strong momentum into the spring season, fueled by tight supplies, elevated pricing and its strategic position in the Southeast produce supply chain.

“It’s been a really good first quarter,” said Andrew Scott, vice president of sales and business development for the Atlanta, GA-based company. “We’ve seen high pricing across a lot of South Eastern vegetable items, and that’s driven strong sales. Even beyond pricing, we’re moving more units and keeping product flowing, which has been key.”

The company has benefited from supply disruptions earlier in the year, particularly from multiple freezes that impacted Florida crops. Those weather events tightened availability and pushed pricing to levels rarely seen in some categories.

“The freezes in Florida really affected supply, especially tomatoes,” Scott said. “We’re seeing prices in the $80s [per 25 pound box], which is pretty unheard of. But we’ve been able to secure product, and that’s allowed us to continue servicing customers effectively.” 

A major factor in the company’s success during tight markets is its strong vendor relationships. By maintaining a reputation for reliability and timely payments, Nickey Gregory Co. has positioned itself as a preferred partner when supplies are limited.

“We pay our bills quickly and take care of our vendors, and they remember that,” Scott said. “When markets get tight, those relationships really matter.”

While some commodities were impacted by winter weather, others are beginning to rebound as the season progresses.

“Blueberries and peaches were affected by the freeze, so they’ll start a little slow and then ramp up,” Scott said. “But overall, the spring vegetable crop in South Georgia is shaping up to be pretty solid.”

One highlight of the season is the arrival of Vidalia onions, a signature Georgia commodity. The company recently received its first load of the year, marking the official start of the marketing season.

“We just got our first load of Vidalias in, and that’s always exciting,” Scott said. “That’s a key spring item for us, and it typically carries through into the late summer.”

Nickey Gregory Co.’s sourcing strategy emphasizes diversification and regional balance, allowing it to maintain steady supply even when conditions vary across growing areas.

“We spread our business across multiple growers,” Scott said. “We don’t put all our eggs in one basket, and that’s helped us maintain consistent supply over the years.”

Beyond sourcing, the company also leverages its processing capabilities through its Family Fresh Foods division, which handles a variety of value-added items, including popular Southern staples.

“We do a lot of processing here, especially with Georgia-grown products,” Scott said. “Items like chopped collards are a big part of our business, and greens in general are strong for us throughout much of the year.”

As the industry moves deeper into spring, freight and logistics remain key areas to watch. Rising diesel costs and a tightening driver pool are contributing to higher transportation rates.

“Freight rates have gone up, and there’s been a bit of a driver shortage,” Scott said. “That’s something we’re keeping an eye on, as it can impact pricing and overall movement.”

Despite those challenges, the outlook remains positive. With no major late-season freezes and improving crop conditions, the company expects a strong run through the peak spring holidays and into summer.

“This is a great time of year for us,” Scott said. “Spring really kickstarts the business. With Easter, Mother’s Day and everything that follows, it sets the tone for the rest of the season.”

With its strong supplier relationships, strategic location and commitment to service, Nickey Gregory Co. is well positioned to capitalize on the opportunities ahead in 2026.