And, as organic produce moves into mainstream market channels it replicates the supply chains of conventional produce, explains David Weinstein, director of marketing for certified organic produce distributors, Heath & Lejeune, in Commerce, CA. “Just as more and more of the fresh fruits and vegetables that Americans eat are produced outside of the United States in Mexico and Canada, South America, Asia and the Middle East, more and more organic produce is coming from those areas. The reasons for these changes go beyond the produce industry. They have to do with the gradual movement of capital investment outside of the United States and into countries where higher returns can be obtained.”

Heath & Lejeune Inc, a full-service distributor of organic fruits and vegetables, which was founded in 1981, started its 33-year history “as more of a national distributor and service provider,” according to Patrick (Rick) C. Lejeune, chief executive officer, whose father, Patrick, was one of the founders of the company.

While the company’s national business continues to grow, “we have transitioned over the last 10 years into a greater share of the Southern California market,” Lejeune told The Produce News. “We are continuing to build our customer base” in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California. “We’ve got a very strong sales team that is actively growing our Los Angeles, Orange County and Ventura County customer base.”