SALINAS, Calif. (November 1, 2010 - The Packer)—Foodservice buying organization Markon Cooperative marked its 25th anniversary Nov. 1.
Salinas-based Markon’s 10 member distributors service more than 75,000 accounts, with annual sales in excess of $19 billion, according to a news release.
Created by independent broadliners in 1985—among them the late Paul Gordon of Gordon Food Service and Phoenix-based Shamrock Foods Company—Markon combined produce-focused buying with specialized marketing and a food safety program.
“When this company was founded, many broadliners sold produce,” Markon president Tim York said in the release. “But nobody focused on meeting the very specific needs of foodservice operators—needs that included new items and packaging specifically designed for the foodservice market.”
Markon initiatives include supporting standardized sustainability metrics, increased produce consumption and industry leadership development.
“The work in which we have been involved, including the Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement, the Stewardship Index for Specialty Crops, as well as the Center for Produce Safety … are just the beginning,” York said in the release.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.