What is PRO*ACT?

PRO*ACT is the leader in foodservice produce supply chain management utilizing 44 produce distributors and 68 distribution centers across the country to service multi unit operators.

PRO*ACT provides the coordination of direct grower pricing, cost visibility, information analysis, food safety and consolidated distribution. It brings optimal economic value to Foodservice Operators by synchronizing their needs into a streamlined supply chain system.

PRO*ACT Specialties, with facilities in Los Angeles and Miami, caters to operators with menu's or events requiring only the finest specialty produce available. Click here for more information.

Why consider PRO*ACT to manage my produce spend?

To stay competitive, today's Foodservice Operator must efficiently manage ALL aspects of the produce supply chain.

PRO*ACT buys tens of millions of cases annually from the top growers in the industry, ships them to PRO*ACT distributors across the country who then deliver to thousands of operators. PRO*ACT integrates it all by providing pricing and usage information online to keep track of your produce spend.

Experienced One-Call national account directors address price, quality or service issues quickly and efficiently. They also demonstrate to operators how to smoothly and effectively consolidate their produce distributor base to reduce administrative time and expense. Click here to see how.

As an extension of your produce supply chain management team, PRO*ACT is fanatical about efficiency, simplicity and total value.

Why should I use a produce specialist?

Produce doesn't get any fresher after it leaves the field, so it takes a highly efficient logistics system to maintain the proper temperatures for maximum quality and shelf life. Fresh produce also requires knowledge of ripening, processing and food safety. Finally, operators need specific service times to enable prep time maximization. This is where the produce specialist has a distinct advantage over the regional or national broadliner.

Produce requires special handling and attention that is best provided by a specialist with years of experience in MANAGING produce, not just delivering it. PRO*ACT distributors are capable of hitting delivery windows 6 days a week, doing hotshot deliveries in a timely manner and providing local attention to their operators. Fresh produce-It's what we do.

Can PRO*ACT provide national coverage?

PRO*ACT has 68 distribution centers located across the US that provides 85% major market coverage and services the balance of the market with PRO*ACT approved produce specialists. Click here to see our market coverage.

Can PRO*ACT help the single state multi-unit operator?

Absolutely! PRO*ACT has One-Call account managers at every distribution center who can help you with developing the best produce supply chain system for your operation. They can help coordinate all your needs and give you the benefits of consolidated purchasing.

How can PRO*ACT help control my overall produce spend?

With years of experience in contracting produce, PRO*ACT knows the ins and outs of how best to develop a logistically efficient produce program. To flat line produce price fluctuations, operators may contract a portion of their purchases to better stabilize food costs.

For example, the recent introduction of salads at several national quick serve concepts, coupled with weather delays in the growing regions caused a major spike in pricing for leaf lettuce this spring. Operators that contracted with PRO*ACT not only avoided runaway market pricing but also had access to the supply. That's controlling your produce spend.

How can PRO*ACT's e-Services benefit my company?

Do you know what produce was purchased at your 3 units in Atlanta? How much romaine you used last quarter and what the average prices were market by market? Are your units buying off spec items? You cannot control your produce spend if you don't have easy access to invoice data. PRO*ACT's online purchasing and reporting tools are the solution. Click here to learn more.

Can my units place orders online?

Yes, PRO*ACT offers customized online order entry after we set up your produce items as specs. Your units can place orders directly with their local PRO*ACT distributor via the Internet. Items that aren't specified can be called or faxed into the distributor as well.

What food security and safety plans are in place?

The food security plan guidelines developed by PRO*ACT require that each of its distribution companies appoint a Director of Security responsible for maintaining its Food Security Plan. Although the plans are individualized and specific to each company's facility, PRO*ACT distributors' written plans must include employee background checks and photo ID, restricted access to food handling and storage areas, monitoring of critical control points of the facility, and procedures for in-route security of the company's delivery vehicles.

In addition, all PRO*ACT distributors are required to maintain an excellent or better rating on their annual third-party food safety inspections for both processing and warehousing facilities. Click here to learn more about Food Safety requirements.

Who are your distributors?

PRO*ACT has 44 distributors operating 68 distribution centers across the U.S. Click here to go to the complete listing.

What does PRO*ACT provide that a produce consultant cannot?

PRO*ACT sources from the industry's top growers to provide direct grower prices and item contracts, consolidated distribution, inspected product quality, food safety and security, weekly managed pricing, online purchasing and reporting tools, efficient logistics and most importantly-peace of mind that comes from Trust and Integrity.

PRO*ACT buys tens of MILLIONS of cases annually; produce consultants typically don't buy a single case of product. This means consultant prices are not based upon actual purchases but on reported prices.

PRO*ACT delivered costs do not include a "consultant fee;" Consultants typically charge 3-6% added to the cost of goods, directly resulting in higher costs to the operator.

PRO*ACT and its top growers stand behind the products they sell; Consultant programs require that the operator and distributor work out quality and service issues with the growers.

PRO*ACT contracts are backed by guaranteed volume commitments with the industry's leading growers for dozens of items (lettuce, romaine, celery, citrus, apples, potatoes, mushrooms, onions, carrots, value added greens etc;) produce consultants can't guarantee volume contracts because they don't purchase any product.

PRO*ACT has integrated regional processor programs to compliment west coast source programs; Consultants can not match this breadth of control as they do not buy any product.

PRO*ACT's efficient produce supply chain leverages volume with top growers to minimize logistics cost; Consultant's sources (when applicable) typically actually add extra stops and expense throughout the entire supply chain-driving up costs for transportation, warehouse, and duplication of products (i.e. additional slots for products like romaine, broccoli, iceberg etc.)

PRO*ACT has 3 national account directors that oversee 40 regional account managers that handle the local units needs relative to program administration, new item rollouts, specification review and development. Consultants can't match PRO*ACT's integrated account management team that synchronizes daily market needs for the customer.

PRO*ACT has integrated invoice data to provide operators online purchasing and usage information; Consultants do not.

PRO*ACT has food safety and security programs in place at each of its 68 distribution centers; Consultants don't have designated facility and food safety personnel at the distributors.

PRO*ACT has quality assurance staff to ensure that product being grown for our customers meets specs and informs them when conditions may have impact on crop yield, quality or supply; Consultants don't buy, ship and distribute product, therefore they have to rely upon third party information after the fact to control this vital function.

To summarize, it is all about control; what PRO*ACT controls versus what produce consultants do not. Industry leading operators look for the most efficient produce supply chain to eliminate waste, duplication and redundancy. Eliminate the middleman and deal directly with PRO*ACT.

What grower/shippers do you purchase produce from?

Our select list of strategic grower/shippers include many of the finest brands available on the market today. For more information click here