Grant Stanton Produce Co. Inc. provides its customers with a wide range of specialty, conventional and greenhouse product, giving it a special niche in the industry. It is especially strong in locally grown and South Carolina peaches. The company also has a major mushroom program that includes a full range of varieties from Pennsylvania producers.

Shawn Grant, owner of the company, which is located at the New England Produce Center in Chelsea, MA, told The Produce News that business this season is “steady as she goes,” adding that following the harsh winter last year, business got back on schedule in a relatively short time.

“We’re doing about the same things that we’ve always done and have built our reputation on, but we continually strive to do them even better,” said Grant. “We had a good summer with basically the same items we’ve been handling, but we moved more product and sales were stronger.”

Robert (Spike) Crafts, sales representative for Grant Stanton Produce.Grant Stanton Produce is a highly diversified company. Its line includes a wide range of specialty, conventional and greenhouse product, which gives it a special niche in the industry.

“We continue to be big on apples, all of which are sourced from New England states,” said Grant. “In addition to the usual staple varieties, we’re doing well with Honeycrisp, Eastern Gala, Fuji and others. These varieties are all in strong demand and selling well. The Honeycrisp continues to grow in popularity, and it’s fortunately more plentiful than in past years.”

The company’s line also includes year-round supplies of berries. In the past it has sourced from California and followed production seasons up and down the East Coast. Grant said that the company has increased its locally grown blueberry program, and is doing a little less from California. It also has a strong Mexican lime program.

But local produce is always in the forefront at Grant Stanton.

“We handle whatever local produce is available, which changes based on what growers are harvesting at the time,” said Grant. “It’s always an interesting time because product flow varies according to what is coming on in the local fields. New England farmers bring their products to us, and in fact a lot of them are also our customers because they are sometimes short of items they need for other customers. Everyone benefits from these symbiotic relationships.”

Grant Stanton’s customer base also includes major chain and small retailers and foodservice operators. Grant said that the company strives to have product that fits everyone’s needs and at all times.

“Business has remained steady as we head into the holiday season,” said Grant. “We continue to focus on maintaining strong relationships with our customers and suppliers, and as always, we strive to maintain exemplary customer service.”