LOS ANGELES, CA - Since 2004, Maui Fresh has brought both expertise and a personal touch to the supply-side. The wholesaler and distributor got its start through a partnership, and as Francisco Clouthier—Founding Owner of Maui-Fresh International, Los Angeles—shared with me, the company has since grown into a trusted partner across the industry.
“We’ve been in Los Angeles, California, for more than 20 years, and we source product directly from Mexico, California, the Los Angeles port, British Columbia, and from around the world via air freight,” Francisco began, highlighting the important positioning of Maui Fresh’s location. “For many of our customers, we offer a one-stop shop, focusing our attention on the service end of the deal. Customers ask us to do different things, and we’re happy to do it. If they want products in different packaging, or they want the trucks to pick up products at a specific place, we can do that. We source product from many different growing regions and partners and consolidate it here in Los Angeles for both our local and national customers.”
Francisco’s background is rooted in the supply-side, and the company itself has close relationships with growers across California, Mexico, British Columbia, and Florida—just to name a few.
Suffice it to say, if Maui Fresh needs to find a product source, they can find it.
Not only does the company have key partnerships, but it also has a state-of-the-art facility to hold product.
“Our largest facility is a few miles away from downtown Los Angeles and is roughly 90,000 square feet. This is where we consolidate product coming from different areas, and where we offer a variety of services to our customers, such as different pack style,” Francisco noted.
With labor challenges continuing to be a reality for the industry, Francisco pointed out that Maui Fresh’s capabilities continue to be a plus for its customers.
“We offer our customers peace of mind, and we help improve their profitability,” Francisco emphasized. “We keep a very strict food safety program, and we’re up-to-date on requirements across the industry. They know there isn’t going to be an issue with the product we deliver.”
With year-round supply and the ability to read the market and pivot on a dime, Maui Fresh is one supplier partner you should have in your corner.
