For more than four decades, Edward L. Myrick Produce has built its business around providing customers with a dependable year-round supply of fresh fruits and vegetables, supported by a network that spans major growing regions across the country.

The family-owned company operates facilities in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Michigan, giving it the ability to source and distribute produce throughout the year while adapting to changing seasonal demands. 

Michigan remains an important part of that strategy, particularly during the summer and fall months when the state’s diverse agricultural production comes into full swing.

“The Michigan deal is very important to us as a company because it gives us a year-round supply,” said Jimmy Myrick, vice president of the company. “It’s helped build our broader customer base and also help our farmers year-round in different areas of the country. So, it’s a very important part of our overall company strategy.” 

The company’s multi-state footprint allows it to bridge seasonal transitions while maintaining consistent supply. As production shifts from southern growing regions into the Midwest and beyond, Myrick is positioned to offer customers continuity and flexibility throughout the year. 

“I think the Michigan season is going to be very strong,” Myrick said. “So far, we’re not seeing any major issues as far as vegetable crops. I know some late freezes have hurt the fruit crop up there, but vegetable crops seem like they’re going to be on time. In the summertime, there’s a big push for local.” 

Michigan’s produce industry continues to benefit from a wide range of commodities, including apples, blueberries, asparagus, cucumbers and numerous vegetable crops that make the state one of the nation’s most diverse agricultural regions. The state’s seasonal production provides opportunities for wholesalers and distributors to connect retailers and foodservice operators with fresh, locally grown products. 

“For us, we do peppers, squash, eggplant, green beans, cucumbers — those are our main commodities up there,” Myrick said. “We also do cabbage and corn, so we do a little bit of everything in Michigan.” 

Currently, Myrick faces an industry environment shaped by labor pressures, transportation costs and the need for efficient logistics. Having facilities strategically located in multiple growing regions helps the company navigate those challenges while maintaining service levels for customers. 

Another advantage is the company’s ability to adapt sourcing strategies based on seasonal availability. Rather than relying on a single production region, Myrick can move product through its network as harvests change throughout the year. 

“For Michigan produce as a whole, it’s a great area for produce and seasonally they do a really good job,” Myrick said. “Around the country, as people get Michigan product, they really like it and they want to do more and more.” 

Myrick Produce prides itself on being able to connect to state’s growers with broader distribution channels while helping customers maintain steady inventories.

With its long history, family ownership and multi-state infrastructure, Myrick Produce remains positioned to support that effort while continuing to serve customers throughout Michigan and beyond. 

“I think there’s exponential growth for us because we just started Michigan four years ago, and every year we’ve been getting bigger and bigger,” Myrick said. “We’ve got plenty of room to grow our customer base and grow our farmer base and keep expanding as a company.”