Vaughan, ON <hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> Mimmo Franzone, Director of Produce and Floral, Longo Brothers Fruit Markets Inc., joins Sarah Hoxie for this exclusive interview from the CPMA floor in Calgary. Mr. Franzone talks about the Longo's history and the roots of the company. The company was started in 1956 by its three founders, Tommy, Joe and Gus. Longo's has twenty-four stores in the greater Toronto area as well as an online grocery service called Grocery Gateway. Grocery Gateway is a full-service online grocery experience that the company took on seven years ago and it has proven to be very successful. Longo's is currently the largest online retailer in Canada.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> Mr. Franzone also tells us about the company's 280,000 square foot facility and 11,000 square foot commissary that functions as the company's distribution center and head office. Longo's also purchases product from the Toronto wholesale market where it is then delivered to the distribution center and shipped out to the stores. The company sources its produce locally when the produce is in season and whenever the conditions allow for them to support the local community. Longo's is also cultivating its relationships all over the world, building great partnerships with international growers and bringing product in direct.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> Mr. Franzone talks about the stores' fresh focus, trying to be first to market and staying on top of trends. Produce has always been the backbone of Longo's, Mr. Franzone remarks, beginning with the founders peddling their produce around on their bikes. Now the business has come full circle, where fresh produce can once again be delivered out into the community. <hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">www.longos.com<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
