Produce Buyer

Overview

A produce buyer purchases produce to be made into other products or resale in a retail environment.

What responsibilities will I have?

• Manage sourcing strategy, including contract and negotiation decisions, to improve quality and profitability
• Negotiate raw product contracts with growers and brokers based on quality parameters
• Create custom market and sourcing reports for distribution internally and externally
• Be the company expert in matters related to raw product quality, market trends and the science of perishable inventory management
• Travel to grower fields to monitor progress of contracted crops
• Effectively communicate with suppliers to ensure timely deliveries, excellent product quality, continuous improvement for cost reductions and improving lead times
• Facilitate the development of new suppliers in collaboration with quality assurance in order to help them to reach the level of excellence required by company standards
• Evaluate and select suppliers based on their ability to supply product in accordance with the organization’s requirements like quality, contract compliance, and accuracy among others
• Work with other parts of the company to determine volume needs or consumer preference

What education and training is required?

A bachelor’s degree in agriculture business, marketing, supply chain management, horticulture, or other business related field.

To pursue a career as a produce buyer:

The following high school courses are recommended:  agricultural education, mathematics, statistics and business.

Where can I work?

Produce buyers work for restaurant chains, grocery stores, food service providers or food production companies.

Future Job Market / Outlook

The future outlook for a produce buyer will be good over the next five years.

Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations

• Supply Chain Management Association
• Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals
• American Purchasing Society
• Produce Marketing Association