Buying in bulk: are Trader Joe's and Fred Meyer seriously the cheapest places? [King County]

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Joy on February 15, 2012 at 1:57am

Hey there...I agree - you kind of have to shop around.  I have been to the wholesale market that Megan goes to - it is pretty mind blowing.  I did find a place in Portland right before I moved out - called Pacific Coast Fruit - they were willing to give crazy deals.  I also would buy papayas from a market on Hawthorne for $1/ea (really good!)  Anyway, the deals can be found...just have to dig a little.  You say King County - so, that is Seattle...I am just sharing my Portland experience.  If Portland has it, California definitely does. 

You can also call the places that show up on this website...you will find one!  http://www.careersingrocery.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/showResourcesL...  I know it says, 'careers' - but it is a great way to find the local wholesalers.

Also, I know Megan and Joey found that wholesaler simply by googling, 'Philadelphia Fruit Wholesaler' and they started calling around...

Best of luck!

Permalink Reply by Erik Nielsen on February 15, 2012 at 6:32am

I get orgo bananas from $27 to $30 a box from a local grocery story, which is independently owned.  Which is about $5 over cost for them.  I went to Safeway and asked about buying by the box, and they wouldn't give me any kind of discount.  They charged me the same retail price they charge for one banana. I think that the chains won't/can't do anything for you. but the with the smaller or single stores, sometimes the produce manager will work with you, because it means bringing them more business, and they can skip the stocking, trimming, etc. That's been my experience anyway.  I haven't been to distibutors or wholesalers yet, because it means leaving the island, which adds time and cost.  but I may check that out.

I think that's funny that Charlie's is even selling bananas.  I thought that they're whole thing was that their suppliers are local and that the produce is fresher.  That's why they charge more.  or why they can anyways.

Permalink Reply by amber pepin-turbide on April 5, 2012 at 2:17pm

full circle is amazing just so everyone knows great produce and good prices i work at whole foods and i still will by full circle its cheep and it delivers :)   

Permalink Reply by Clara on March 9, 2012 at 10:37am

I know it might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of good produce, but I would check Grocery Outlet for good deals, they often have some organic produce. I'm sure there are good places to dumpster dive in Seattle, if you are up for that! :P  Also, I'm pretty sure there are other wholesale produce places in Seattle, aren't there, and in Tacoma too that you could check out.

Permalink Reply by Daniel on March 17, 2012 at 6:03am

I just asked if I could get discounted ripe bananas at Fred Meyer, and one of the produce guys told me that they don't do that anymore because they've been sued... So lame. I'm going to check out some other smaller stores in Portland.

I'll check out Pacific Coast Fruit. Thanks for the tip, Joy!

Permalink Reply by Josh Phillips on April 3, 2012 at 4:21pm

Charlies produce has tiered pricing. Whole foods and trader joes get their produce from charlies, do you really think charlies is giving you a good price? I found it out the hard way too. But some things like apples and oranges they have really good deals on.

Permalink Reply by Myra Mangolicious on April 11, 2012 at 11:19am

Sale alert!
This Friday (April13) at Safeway in the Western Washington area a box of mangoes 12ct. for $5!!!!!! I can't believe it. I've never seen mangoes that cheap.

Permalink Reply by Poodle Doodle Doo on April 11, 2012 at 11:22am

Nice!! I hope they're good--my mangoes havent been ripening well lately. still too early, I though. Can't beat 5 bucks though! Where'd you see that ad?

Permalink Reply by Myra Mangolicious on April 11, 2012 at 11:42am

I received their flyer in the mail today. It's for Friday only.

Permalink Reply by Raw Type1 Diabetic on April 26, 2012 at 8:10am

I'm new to the area and have had to resort to buying conventional mangoes at Costco because of the great price. I have yet to find anywhere selling overripe bananas and would love to be able to buy them like that.  I do buy my organic greens (baby spinach, baby kale, and mixed greens) at Costco as well.  I would be more than happy to 'share' my membership and buy together if anyone is interested. I'd also be interested in getting a bunch of people together to see if we could get better pricing at Charlie's.  Anyone game?

Permalink Reply by Huckleberry on April 29, 2012 at 5:56am

I'd be interested. I've been curious about Costco. I bike mainly so its not very practical for me but I'm willing to try it. There is a bus that goes by there. I'd be happy to meet you there sometime and go fruit shopping. Thanks for offering!

Permalink Reply by Sweetleaf on May 10, 2012 at 4:02pm

If I remember correctly Rosella's has decent pricing http://www.rosellas.com/home-frame.html

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