Produce quality
Our produce is shipped daily to our stores, at the peak of freshness. We source locally, around the country and internationally, only partnering with growers who meet our high standards and have a passion for growing the most nutritious, healthy and delicious products.
Grading and testing
All produce is delivered from the fields to our distribution center in Minneapolis and rigorously inspected by our Quality Control staff to make sure that it meets our high standards. We use tools for these tests, including refractometers, to measure the soluble solids and sugar content of fruits; and penetrometers, to measure firmness of fruit that softens as it ripens or ages.
However, we ultimately rely on our eyes and taste buds to ensure that the produce we sell is guaranteed to delight. Anything that doesn’t meet our expectations is refused.
Organic
For over a decade, our stores have been committed to offering the best quality organic produce to our customers.
All of our organic vendors are third-party certified to comply with the National Organic Program (NOP). NOP ensures that the fruits and vegetables are grown without the use of chemical fertilizers or insecticides, synthetic ingredients, sewage or ionizing radiation. In addition, our produce distribution center is inspected and certified yearly.
Once the products reach our stores, they are displayed separately so there is no chance of co-mingling. Our produce teams are educated in organic handling practices and are tested yearly.
We are also certified as an organic food processor, which allows us to offer convenient fresh-cut organic fruits and vegetables.
Locally grown
More than three decades ago, our CEO, Tres Lund, would visit the Minneapolis Farmers Market with our produce team to help hand-select the finest local produce for our stores each day. Today, our commitment to locally grown produce is stronger than ever.
We get Minnesota-grown produce delivered to our stores daily, fresh from the field. In fact, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture has recognized Lunds & Byerlys with the MN Grown Retailer of the Year award for three years in a row. We proudly support growers from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and North and South Dakota. Just look for the “Eat Local” signs in stores!