Southwestern Produce is located in Plant City and sells only the freshest, highest quality produce. Fresh from the farm to freezer, Southwestern is a family-owned and operated business.
From pineapples to pole beans and blueberries to broccoli, local residents rave about the fresh farm-grown goodness from Southwestern Produce Company. Chris and Renee Smith of Plant City started Southwestern Produce Company in 1990 when they realized that there was a need in the area for high -quality produce at a reasonable price. Word spread quickly and as the quote goes, “If you build it, they will come.” And the customers started pouring in.
In 1992, Smith opened the current facility at 1510 W. Sydney Rd. in Plant City and began holding monthly sales, except in the winter when fresh produce was not available.
In 1997, Smith’s brother, Steve Smith, who had since relocated to Lawrenceville, Georgia, inquired about beginning a Georgia branch of Southwestern Produce. It was a good time to expand, so by 1999 the brother’s opened a building to meet the growing demand of their Georgia customers.
As word continued to spread of the high quality produce, Southwestern Produce implemented internet sales to ship the produce to customers who do not live in the area.
“We hope you will give us a try. We promise the quality of our produce will be far superior to what you will find in your local grocery store,” said co-owner, Renee Smith. “Everything is very reasonably priced. Veggies come in in 8 lb. bags and fruit come in 5 lb. bags, so you’re getting much more than a little bag from the grocery store.
Southwestern Produce takes pride in its motto “Fresh from the farm to your freezer!” The fruits and vegetables are shelled, blanched and frozen, ready to be cooked and enjoyed. “We’ve done all the hard work for you,” said Renee.
Customers can sign up to receive the pricing list each month through the Website or Facebook page. The Plant City location accepts cash or check payments only. They also ship orders. Upcoming sales dates vary each month, so check on the Website for exact dates. For more information, call 754-1500, e-mail info@southwesternproduce.com or visit www.southwesternproduce.com.
