In the food industry, experience matters. Every production line depends on a reliable flow of quality ingredients—delivered on time and at consistent pricing. At Lakeside Food Sales, we combine decades of market knowledge with a strong network of trusted suppliers to help our customers keep their operations running smoothly, no matter what the market brings.

Our role goes beyond distribution. We act as a strategic partner for food manufacturers, processors, and packers—providing dependable ingredient supply, inventory management, and market insights that support long-term stability and growth.

1. Strength Through Established Supplier Relationships

Lakeside Food Sales has built lasting partnerships with reputable manufacturers and suppliers throughout North America and abroad. These relationships are the cornerstone of our reliability. They allow us to source high-quality ingredients efficiently, anticipate supply challenges, and secure allocations before market conditions change.

By working closely with our supplier network, we deliver consistency, transparency, and confidence—qualities that our customers have come to rely on year after year.

2. Strategic Inventory and Forward Warehousing

We maintain stocked inventory in forwarding warehouses across the United States and Canada, allowing our customers to access what they need, when they need it. This just-in-time model reduces the need for on-site storage while ensuring ingredient availability for time-sensitive production schedules.

Our forward warehousing strategy not only supports operational efficiency but also provides a safeguard against supply interruptions caused by logistics issues, seasonal shortages, or global market shifts.

3. Leveraging Experience to Navigate Market Challenges

Decades of industry experience have taught us how to read the market. From seasonal crop fluctuations to the impact of economic tariffs or changing freight conditions, we help customers plan ahead and adapt quickly. Our insight into market dynamics allows us to minimize disruptions and maintain stable supply channels—even when volatility hits.

Our customers benefit from the quiet confidence that comes from working with a partner who understands both the market and the product—from raw ingredients to finished goods.

4. Commitment to Quality, Compliance, and Service

Every supplier we represent meets strict quality and compliance standards. We take pride in delivering ingredients that align with our customers’ exact specifications, backed by clear documentation and responsive communication. Our focus on accuracy, reliability, and integrity ensures that every shipment adds value to your operation.

5. A Partnership Built on Trust

At Lakeside Food Sales, we believe that long-term success is built on trust. Our team is dedicated to understanding your goals, anticipating your needs, and providing solutions that enhance your supply chain. Whether you require just-in-time delivery, specialized sourcing, or strategic inventory management, we’re here to help your business thrive.

Lakeside Food Sales
Your trusted partner in food distribution and ingredient supply across the U.S. and Canada.

Date: April 21, 2024

Have you ever wondered exactly how fruits and vegetables can be made into various forms? When it comes to producing Juices, Purées, Aromas, Scents, Essences & Oils. each production process is unique. In addition to providing a brief summary of each process and explaining the slight differences between the various processes, this article also explains the various applications each form is most commonly utilized within food, beverage and cosmetic products.

Lakeside Food Sales Inc is bulk distributor of raw food ingredients including fruits and vegetables available in various prepared forms including but not limited to: Juices, Purée, Aroma, Essences and Oils. We also supply and distribute tomato products that are often used in various food products due their nutritional values and natural food color.

Juices made from fruits and vegetables are often utilized in various food products and beverages. This is because juices easily dissolve in most recipes. They also give a fresh and natural flavor to the final product. Juices are not only used as ingredients, they can also consumed on their own as a beverage.

Puréed fruits and vegetables are made by boiling or steaming fruits & vegetables and then blending them into a smooth paste. This is an easy and convenient way to add natural fruits & vegetables into your recipes for food products and beverages.

Aromas & Scents are made by extracting nutrients like proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals from the plant. The fragrant compounds are pulled from various parts of the plant, such as flowers, leaves, and even roots. The extraction process typically involves “expression”, which preserves the natural fragrances.

Essences & Oils are extracted from fruits and vegetables by various methods, including cold pressing, distillation, or by using solvents. Unlike juices, essences and oils are highly potent and are used in minimal amounts to infuse food products and beverages. Due to the concentrated nature, they are also used in aromatherapy and cosmetics.

As you can see, each specific form comes in handy when considering the end product of which it will be utilized in creating. For example, extracts are commonly used in baking and cooking to add flavor while essences and oils are often found in perfumes, skincare products, and natural remedies.

Lakeside is a leading distributor of bulk raw food ingredients. We can connect you with our warehouses across the country that can deliver your bulk food ingredients in any prepared form that you require!

Date: April 17, 2024

Recently the USDA reported the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) among cows in American diary farms, mainly affecting the older cattle population. While most have recovered, any infected milk has been discarded, causing up to a 40% drop in initial milk production reported in early 2024 for some of the hardest hit dairy farms. It is important to note that pasteurization effectively eliminates the virus, ensuring the safety of commercial dairy products.

However, the USDA lab analysis found no genetic changes in the virus from an outbreak in cows, suggesting low risk of mammal-to-mammal spread, including to humans.  Despite the virus being unlikely to spread and pasteurization ensuring dairy safety, the outbreak has caused concerns in the dairy industry and consumers have been become wary.  Resulting from consumer concerns, recent competitive pricing maybe attributed to the lack of demand, as supply appears stable in US dairy markets.

CHEESE & BUTTER PRODUCTS 

Cheese produced in the United States remains competitive internationally despite price hikes, with exports in February reaching the second highest volume on record. This surge in exports, driven by competitive pricing keeps cheese stocks from growing.  Despite the availability of cream and an increase in butter production, a significant drop in international interest and a decrease in butter exports year-over-year have been observed. Prices are expected to continue rising into the fall unless production improves in the latter half of the year.

About Milk Pasteurization in the USA

The main pasteurization method in the US is High Temperature Short Time (HTST) pasteurization. It uses metal plates and hot water to raise milk temperatures to at least 161°F for 15 seconds, followed by rapid cooling. This process effectively kills any harmful bacteria, including the bovine coronavirus. Additionally, the dairy industry follows strict hygiene and sanitation protocols to prevent contamination of milk products.

Lakeside Food Sales Inc is a bulk food ingredient supplier and distributor. Due to many of our products being Food and Agricultural Commodities, we closely monitor various reports offered by product manufacturers and data, analytics and climate conditions that are released by various world organizations. This data often provides insights into pricing for raw material for raw food ingredients that we supply to clients.

The content and viewpoints shared in this presentation were crafted by Lakeside Food Sales Inc. It contains forward-looking statements grounded in anticipated future events, yet remains subject to risks and uncertainties. Lakeside Food Sales, Inc. does not guarantee the accuracy of the content shared within, as this data was derived from various reports and briefings published by one or more industry resource and/or government agencies or world organizations.

Date: April 5, 2024

A wet winter in Chile resulted in various farm areas experiencing flooding that has reduced production, and may also be responsible for the presence of worms from fruit flies in the Chilean harvest. This keeps prices consistently high across the market for blackberries. As the “worm issue” mirrors a similar occurrence in Serbia with blackberries where worms have left buys unwilling to purchase product with worms. Consequently, processors have been compelled to implement rigorous quality checks on raw materials.

Due to limited supply, Chilean processors find themselves unable to reduce prices for wild blackberries. However, a growing number of market participants are transitioning to cultivated blackberries whenever possible due to their lower costs and the heightened safety and quality standards in place.

Lakeside Food Sales Inc is a bulk food ingredient supplier and distributor which supplies and distributes frozen cultivated blackberries. Due to many of our products being Food and Agricultural Commodities, we closely monitor various reports offered by product manufacturers and data, analytics and climate conditions that are released by various world organizations. This data often provides insights into pricing for raw material for raw food ingredients that we supply to clients.

The content and viewpoints shared in this presentation were crafted by Lakeside Food Sales Inc. It contains forward-looking statements grounded in anticipated future events, yet remains subject to risks and uncertainties. Lakeside Food Sales, Inc. does not guarantee the accuracy of the content shared within, as this data was derived from various reports and briefings published by one or more industry resource and/or government agencies or world organizations. 

DATE:   March 19,  2024

Brazilian coffee export prices are currently high, with green coffee exports from Brazil increasing significantly in February. The February exports saw a 58% rise year-on-year to 3.38 million 60 kg bags. This growth highlights the attractiveness of the Brazilian market compared to others, according to data from the industry group Cecafe. The total coffee shipments for the first two months of 2024 reached 7.11 million bags, showing a 52% increase from the same period last year. The surge in robusta coffee exports in February was particularly notable, as stated by Cecafe’s president Marcio Ferreira. Shipments of arabica coffee also saw a substantial 36% year-on-year increase to 2.8 million bags.

Brazilian robusta coffee remains highly competitive in the global market, compensating for the production shortfalls in major producers like Vietnam and Indonesia. Despite geopolitical tensions affecting shipping in the Red Sea, Brazilian coffee exports have not faced disruptions. However, there are concerns about rising freight prices, port congestion, and vessel delays globally.

In February, 75% of coffee shipments from the port of Santos were rescheduled or delayed, partly due to increased cotton shipments. The total coffee shipments from Brazil in February, including roasted and soluble coffee, amounted to 3.626 million bags, marking a 49% increase from the previous year, valued at $757.3 million.

All top 10 buyers of Brazilian coffee increased their purchases in the first two months of the year, indicating a growing demand for the product. The US was the leading importer in January and February, followed by Germany and Belgium. Notably, coffee shipments to Mexico significantly rose, and China maintained its position in the ranking, reflecting the rising consumption of coffee in the country.

Lakeside Food Sales Inc is a bulk food ingredient supplier and distributor. Due to many of our products being Food and Agricultural Commodities, we closely monitor various reports offered by product manufacturers and data, analytics and climate conditions that are released by various world organizations. This data often provides insights into pricing for raw material for raw food ingredients that we supply to clients.

The content and viewpoints shared in this presentation were crafted by Lakeside Food Sales Inc. It contains forward-looking statements grounded in anticipated future events, yet remains subject to risks and uncertainties. Lakeside Food Sales, Inc. does not guarantee the accuracy of the content shared within, as this data was derived from various reports and briefings published by one or more industry resource and/or government agencies or world organizations. 

Lakeside Food Sales Inc is a bulk food ingredient supplier and distributor. Due to many of our products being Food and Agricultural Commodities, we closely monitor various reports offered by product manufacturers and data, analytics and climate conditions that are released by various world organizations. This data often provides insights into pricing for raw material for raw food ingredients that we supply to clients.

The content and viewpoints shared in this presentation were crafted by Lakeside Food Sales Inc. It contains forward-looking statements grounded in anticipated future events, yet remains subject to risks and uncertainties. Lakeside Food Sales, Inc. does not guarantee the accuracy of the content shared within, as this data was derived from various reports and briefings published by one or more industry resource and/or government agencies or world organizations. 

Date: February 2, 2024

Food and Agricultural Commodity Market Briefing

Peruvian frozen mango prices reported to S&P Global Commodity Insights have surged to $4.0/kg CFR from last year’s $1.75-1.80/kg CFR range. Processors in Peru are facing stock shortages due to reduced production from the El Nino climate pattern.

The growing demand for Peruvian frozen mangoes has led to a noticeable price hike.  One of the main reasons for this price hike is due to limited stocks and decreased production caused by El Nino – a climatic phenomenon that has impacted Peru’s mango growing regions. Many processors in the country have reported being sold out or having limited supplies because of this weather event.

Despite these challenges, Peruvian frozen mangoes remain a popular choice among consumers. Their sweet and juicy flavor make them a versatile ingredient for various dishes, such as smoothies, sorbets, and even savory dishes.

In addition to their delicious taste, Peruvian frozen mangoes also offer numerous health benefits. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, as well as dietary fiber. These nutrients can help boost the immune system, improve digestive health, and promote healthy skin and hair.

At Lakeside Food Sales, we take pride in sourcing the highest quality Peruvian frozen mangoes for our customers. Our partnerships with trusted suppliers allow us to offer competitive prices without compromising on quality. We understand the challenges that come with fluctuating market prices and strive to provide our customers with consistent supply and excellent service.

Lakeside Food Sales Inc is a bulk food ingredient supplier and distributor. Due to many of our products being Food and Agricultural Commodities, we closely monitor various reports offered by product manufacturers and data, analytics and climate conditions that are released by various world organizations. This data often provides insights into pricing for raw material for raw food ingredients that we supply to clients.

The content and viewpoints shared in this presentation were crafted by Lakeside Food Sales Inc. It contains forward-looking statements grounded in anticipated future events, yet remains subject to risks and uncertainties. Lakeside Food Sales, Inc. does not guarantee the accuracy of the content shared within, as this data was derived from various reports and briefings published by one or more industry resource and/or government agencies or world organizations. 

Date: January 29, 2024

Spain, the US, and Iran to reduce production

Early projections for the 2024 industrial tomato season indicate a potential decrease in output in key producing regions like California and Spain. However, the drop in prices of alternative crops such as sunflower and corn has sparked renewed interest in industrial tomatoes among farmers in other countries.

According to the USDA, California’s tomato processors are expected to secure contracts for 11.6 million short tons for the upcoming season – a 10% decrease from the USDA’s August estimate of 12.9 million short tons for the 2023 crop and 8.5% less than the 11.47 million metric tons projected by the World Processing Tomato Council (WPTC). The cultivated area is set to shrink from 255,000 acres to 232,000 acres, with the USDA basing the final production estimate on an average yield of 50.0 short tons per acre. S&P Global Commodity Insights had previously forecasted a decline in California’s tomato production due to rising inventories.

Spain might also reduce its tomato output in 2024 from 2.6 million metric tons to 2.3 million metric tons, according to the WPTC. Industry sources have indicated that several factors contribute to this decrease. For instance, the demand for tomatoes in the European market, particularly in Spain, is expected to be lower.

Greece, Italy and France to Boost Tomato Production

Meanwhile, Greece aims to boost its tomato production by 10% year-on-year compared to last year’s target of 480,000 metric tons. The expansion is expected to focus on the central and northern regions as they explore alternative crop options. The same goes for  and Italy. As France aims to boost production from 160,000 metric tons in 2023 to 190,000 metric tons in 2024. Similarly, Italy is planning to increase production from 160,000 metric tons in 2023 to 190,000 metric tons in 2024.

This increase in production from these countries is expected to offset the decrease in production from Spain.

However, how who will offset the tomoato production in the USA?

To combat these challenges, there are ongoing efforts to diversify tomato production in different regions of the US. For instance, California has been increasing its production and has become the second-largest producer after Florida. Other states such as New Jersey and Virginia are also expanding their tomato production to meet domestic demand and reduce reliance.

The United States is one of the largest producers and consumers of tomatoes in the world, with Florida being the leading state for tomato production. However, recent natural disasters such as hurricanes have significantly impacted tomato production in Florida. In 2017, Hurricane Irma caused severe damage to tomato crops, resulting in a decrease in production by almost 40%. This not only affected local supply but also disrupted global trade as the US is a major exporter of tomatoes.

Lakeside Food Sales Inc is a bulk food ingredient supplier and distributor. Due to many of our products being Food and Agricultural Commodities, we closely monitor various reports offered by product manufacturers and data, analytics and climate conditions that are released by various world organizations. This data often provides insights into pricing for raw material for raw food ingredients that we supply to clients.

The content and viewpoints shared in this presentation were crafted by Lakeside Food Sales Inc. It contains forward-looking statements grounded in anticipated future events, yet remains subject to risks and uncertainties. Lakeside Food Sales, Inc. does not guarantee the accuracy of the content shared within, as this data was derived from various reports and briefings published by one or more industry resource and/or government agencies or world organizations. 

What’s the Difference Between Potato Starch vs Potato Flour? The main difference between them is that potato starch is made from the starchy part of potatoes, while potato flour is made from the entire potato (including skin).

Potato starch has a finer texture than potato flour and produces fluffier baked goods with a lighter crumb. It’s also better for thickening sauces and gravies, as it has a neutral flavor.

Potato flour is more dense and heavy, and its strong flavor can overpower other ingredients in a recipe. It’s best used to add body and texture to baked goods such as breads, scones, and pastry crusts. Ultimately, the choice between potato starch vs potato flour depends on the desired outcome

How is Potato Starch Produced?  Potato starch is produced by grinding up peeled and washed potatoes, separating out the starch granules, and then drying them. The process can take several days to complete.

How is Potato Flour Produced?     Potato flour is produced by grinding up peeled and cooked potatoes. The potatoes are then mashed and dried to form a powdery flour. This process happens more quickly than the production of potato starch, as it takes less time for the potatoes to dry out.

**Both potato starch and potato flour can be used in gluten-free baking, making them staples for those with dietary.

Potato starch and potato flour are both commonly used ingredients in baking recipes.  They are both useful for providing structure, texture, and volume to baked goods. Potato starch has a more neutral flavor than potato flour, making it ideal as a thickener or binder in recipes. Potato starch is used when baking  gluten-free items like pancakes, muffins, and pies. Potato flour is most often used in breads, cakes, cookies, and other baked goods as a substitute for wheat flour. It adds moisture and a slightly sweet flavor to recipes. Both potato starch and potato flour are essential ingredients for creating delicious gluten-free treats!

Potato flour is also used in baking as a binding agent, but since it has a stronger flavor, recipes often call for only small amounts.

Regardless of which one you choose, potato starch and flour are both good substitutes for wheat flour in gluten-free baking. However, it is important to remember that they cannot be used as 1:1 replacements in recipes because they have different properties than wheat flour. For instance, potato starch does not provide structure like wheat flour does and can create a gummy texture if used alone in a recipe. Additionally, potato flour absorbs more liquid than wheat flour does so using too much can make your baked goods heavy and dense. By figuring out the right combination of starches and flours for a recipe, you can achieve the desired texture and flavor for all of your gluten-free baking projects.

If you are seeking a bulk food ingredient supplier that can deliver potato starch or potato flour, contact Lakeside Food Sales. We provide solutions for food and beverage manufacturers that require the best food ingredients for their food products and recipes!

Happy baking! 🙂

Food ingredients come in a variety of forms, including liquid, powder, concentrate, and paste. Liquid ingredients are easy to use and create consistent results. Powdered ingredients, such as spices and herbs, dissolve quickly and easily in liquids. Concentrated foods are highly concentrated so that you don’t have to use as much of the ingredient. Finally, pastes are thicker than liquid ingredients and are great for adding texture to dishes. Each type of ingredient has its own unique properties that make it valuable in different recipes and applications. It’s important to understand the differences between each form of food ingredient so you can find the one that best suits your needs. No matter which type you choose, it will help you create delicious meals and snacks!

Did you know that an apple can be purchased in bulk in 14 different forms:

1. Whole Fruits & Vegetables
2. Fruit & Vegetable Juice Concentrate
3. Fruit & Vegetable Juice “Not from concentrate” (NFC)
4. Fruit & Vegetable Puree
5. Fruit & Vegetable Powder
6. Clarified Fruit & Vegetable Juice
7. Dried Fruit & Vegetable
8. Frozen Fruit & Vegetable
9. Fruit & Vegetable Essence
10. Fruit & Vegetable Sauce
11. Dehydrated Fruits & Vegetables
12. Evaporated Fruits & Vegetables
13. Freeze Dried Fruits & Vegetables
14. Individual quick freezing, (IQF) Fruit & Vegetable

Also ,consider that their are different types of apples,  such as Granny Smith, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Gala and more. All these apples provide unique flavor profiles that can be used to enhance the profile of a dish. Each one has its own taste and texture that make it ideal for particular recipes.

You can even select conventionally gown apples or organic.  The difference between conventionally gown apples or organic grown apples  is the way in which they are grown. Conventionally grown apples use more chemicals, pesticides and fertilizers to grow larger apples faster while organic apples are left to grow with natural processes.

Each form has its own advantages, and depending on the application each form can be used in different recipes. Juice concentrate is a great option for making-of sauces; NFC puree works best for smoothies and bakery products; powder is suitable for snacks and cereals, while clarified applesauce gives food items a nice texture. Dried apples are perfect for adding sweetness and texture to trail mixes, granola bars, or cereals. Frozen apples provide a great way of making healthy desserts; essence is used for adding flavour to drinks. Sauce is perfect for baking and cooking jams, while dehydrated apples are ideal for muesli and energy bars. Evaporated apples can be used in cake and bread recipes, whereas freeze dried fruit pieces can add crunch and nutrition to cereals or granola. Blend dried apples with nuts and seeds for a delicious smoothie, cereal bar or snack mix. Applesauce is also great when used in baking cakes, muffins, breads, and cookies! With all the options available for apple products, there’s sure to be something that fits your needs.

No matter which way you choose to use apples in your recipes, they are sure to add a delicious flavor and texture. If you are seeking a bulk food ingredient supplier that can deliver fruits, vegetables, nuts, seed and more, contact Lakeside Food Sales. We provide solutions for food and beverage manufacturers that require the best food ingredients for their food products and recipes!