James Saldutti is senior director of produce and floral for Mother’s Market & Kitchen, an 11-store natural foods retailer in Southern California. Saldutti joined OPN for a conversation about Mother’s relationships with organic growers, organic produce trends, the role of organic produce in Mother’s juice offerings, and more.

James Saldutti, Senior Director of Produce and Floral, Mother's Market & Kitchen

How did you get started working in the produce industry? 

I started in produce on the retail side of the business. I began working in conventional grocers and then transitioned to natural foods stores. While all departments are important to the customer experience, the produce department was the one I was drawn to. Many people in our communities not only use fresh produce for food but also as medicine. Because of this, I have always taken my responsibility in the produce department seriously. I work hard to ensure customers have access to the very best assortment and quality possible.

How long have you worked at Mother’s Market, and what drew you to work there?

I have worked for Mother’s for just over a year. I joined Mother’s because I appreciate the company’s mission to partner with socially conscious and environmentally sustainable businesses.

What percentage of Mother’s produce is certified organic?

Mother's Market is proud to offer over 90 percent organic produce during any given season. It is our commitment to the communities we serve to offer produce that starts and ends with the highest standards in the industry. Our grower partners take great care in every step of the growing process to produce sustainably, being good stewards of the land for generations to come.

"Many people in our communities not only use fresh produce for food but also as medicine. Because of this, I have always taken my responsibility in the produce department seriously. I work hard to ensure customers have access to the very best assortment and quality possible." - James Saldutti

What distributors does Mother’s Market work with?

Mother’s Market is delighted to have Charlie’s Produce as our primary distributor—a true partner in every sense. Their customer-first approach is second to none!

How much of your produce comes from distributors versus directly from farms?

Mother’s has very little produce arriving to our stores that comes directly from farms for several reasons, two of which are food safety and overall efficiencies. Our grower partners ship directly to Charlie’s, ensuring the cold chain does not break.

Though you don’t source directly from organic growers, it sounds like you do maintain close relationships with them (rather than only talking to your distributor). Why is that important to you?

Mother’s Market has been active in working with organic farms since the late seventies. For those fortunate to have been in the produce business for any length of time, it’s clear that what we do is all about relationships that often turn into friendships. As Mother’s grows, we want our partners to grow with us, so in the end everyone wins, including our customers.

"It is our commitment to the communities we serve to offer produce that starts and ends with the highest standards in the industry." - James Saldutti

Can you name some of Mother’s Market’s longstanding organic grower partners?

Calavo, organicgirl, and Homegrown Organic Farms are just a few of our many longstanding partners.

Have you noticed any trends in organic produce sales over the last year or several years?

The most obvious trend that I have seen over the last several years is how many retailers are now offering organic produce. It is clear that consumers are paying attention to their health and the environment by supporting organics.

Organic berries are a category that has been and continues to be a favorite of our customers. The positive health attributes of organic berries (high in fiber and antioxidants and low in calories) combined with their lack of pesticide residues make them a popular choice.

"As Mother’s grows, we want our partners to grow with us, so in the end everyone wins, including our customers." - James Saldutti

Did you attend OPS this year? If so, please share about your experience.

Yes. In a nutshell, I was very glad to see a strong emphasis on packaging innovation—getting away from plastic and using more sustainable options. I also appreciated the educational sessions, specifically the “Growth of CEA.”  

What role does organic produce play in Mother’s Market’s Cafes and Juice Bars?

Organic fruits and vegetables ensure the most healthful end product, a standard that Mother’s does not waver from. Our customers appreciate that standard and won’t settle for anything less. That’s why we always try to incorporate organic produce into as many of our Cafe dishes and Juice Bar drinks as possible. We want our customers to know that our homemade foods and drinks are made with only the best ingredients. 

"The most obvious trend that I have seen over the last several years is how many retailers are now offering organic produce. It is clear that consumers are paying attention to their health and the environment by supporting organics." - James Saldutti

What are some of your most popular juices that use organic ingredients?

For many people, a trip to Mother’s is not complete without stopping by our Juice Bar. Our #1 seller is our Aloha Goddess, which features organic apple, pineapple, celery, cucumber, spinach blend, parsley blend, and kale. Other popular juices include our Liver Cleanse (organic apple, beet, lemon, ginger, and parsley blend) and our Goddess of Greens (organic apple, celery, cucumber, spinach blend, parsley blend, and kale).

What’s your favorite part about your job?

My favorite part of my job is the customer interactions I have in our stores. I appreciate hearing what they like, what they would like to see, and how we can serve them better. Our customers’ preferences are what drives the sourcing process. The Mother's produce departments are essentially an extension of their homes—in many cases, our customers are greeted by team members they know. We are here to serve them!

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

There are many things going on in the world today that affect our health and wellbeing. I am fortunate to work in a job that improves the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve by offering the best produce possible, grown with passion and sold with humbleness and appreciation.