Web
addresses now are appearing on packages of lettuce and mushrooms. Does this mean
that the produce industry has accepted the Internet as a viable mode of communication
with the consumer? And if so, is this affecting
the way that suppliers and growers are doing business with their customers, the
retailers? Some 8 months ago, B.T. Produce, a produce wholesaler at Hunts Point
Terminal Market in Bronx, NY, established its own Web site, www.btproduce.com.
Here browsers can access B.T. Produce's history and company information, place
orders with the company, indicate whether it wants to sell to B.T. Produce, and
leave a message. Broswers also can connect to related sites for further information
about produce and the industry. "We know that in the
future our customers are going to end up shopping on the Internet," says David
Taubenfeld. For Taubenfeld, one of the owners of B.T. Produce, this is no longer
speculation; the Internet will be a force in commerce. |  |
"We are already calling our supplier/grower in California
from whom we buy peaches, plums, nectarines, and he describes his produce sizes
and prices to us over the telephone. After a discussion, we may buy some of the
produce," says Taubenfeld. But the Web site can go a
step further. "That same supplier could put photos of his products on the Web
site with a detailed description, including prices," Taubenfeld says. "Taken further,
certain buyers could be given password-protected access to additional information
in the site." Enthusiastic
about his new marketing tool, David Taubenfeld exclaims that so far the Web site
has been "very successful." B.T. Produce has made connections with people as a
result of the site and has gained some new suppliers. Taubenfeld
believes that the Chinese and Korean mom & pop stores in Manhattan will be particularly
apt to buy on line. The company has built much of its business around these stores
because B.T. Produce specializes in Asian pears and persimmons. |
