For over ten years, City Wide Produce has proudly operated as a produce wholesaler and distributor located in Surrey, British Columbia. While our company has grown over the years to keep serving you better, our love of quality produce and a desire to build meaningful relationships with clients has always stayed the same. This passion for quality produce first led owners and newlyweds Gopal and Fazleen to open a small grocery store in Vancouver… and it all grew from there! Journey through the timeline of City Wide Produce to learn more about our ‘roots’.
2007
Before City Wide was even an idea, owners and newlyweds Gopal and Fazleen were ready to explore a new passion for produce. At 21 they purchased a small grocery store on Fraser Street in Vancouver. They learned so much about the industry and their new passion transformed into a love for produce. This was the key factor in validating their desire to continue providing fresh produce to their clients!
2008
Business was growing! Gopal and Fazleen were becoming known for their friendly and warm customer service. Soon, they saw an opportunity to begin supplying more restaurants, expanding their service to the rest of the lower mainland.
2009
Gopal and Fazleen made the decision to sell their retail store to explore different avenues within the produce industry. Gopal began working with a wholesaler in order to continue supplying local grocery stores with produce. The wholesale space needed more passion for produce and with his past customers reaching out, he began to see an exciting new opportunity in the wholesale space. This planted a seed and Gopal and Fazleen decided to create their own produce wholesale company!
2010
City Wide Produce was born! Word got around that Gopal and Fazleen were in the wholesale space, and past and new clients alike began reaching out to work with their new company, City Wide Produce. City Wide was created to support grocers, food processors and services, and wholesalers in the best way possible, and it really took off!
2011
City Wide was growing in clients, in team members, and needed a warehouse! Moving into their first warehouse enabled them to partner with even more growers across North America, and carry new produce for their buyers.
2012
Time for another move! They were at capacity in their current warehouse, and business was booming. City Wide moved into a larger space to continue to better service their clients.
2014
Business kept getting busier as City Wide started carrying an even wider variety of produce! They moved into a larger warehouse to accommodate the importing of wet vegetables and a variety of other fresh produce to better serve their buyers across Western Canada. They also acquired over a dozen new field vegetables for distribution, partnering with finest growers across North America to ensure their produce is top quality, every time.
2018
City Wide expanded even further with a larger team, and together they obtained the Canada GAP Food Safety Certification. This certified training ensures that every product going out from City Wide Produce is treated with care, safety, and expert handling from every member of the team, including Gopal and Fazleen’s little ones!
2020
City Wide Produce continues to grow in client relationships and quality produce. They now have two-temperature-controlled coolers to keep produce fresh, dry storage for root crop and refrigerated trucks for the best transportation of their produce. The City Wide team has grown with members that are deeply committed to providing friendly service and support for clients. We continue to grow with you!
Today
Today, City Wide is growing with our valued clients across Western Canada. We are proud to invest in our community through fundraisers, charity events, and produce education. We are active members of the BCPMA, CPMA, PMA and regularly attend their yearly conventions and tradeshows. Grow with us today!
“That first little grocery store we owned in 2007 was our education. It taught us how passionate we are about fresh produce and how to best service our clients!” - Owners, F&G
Meet the Fam
Our team is built from people who love produce and growing beneficial relationships with clients. At City Wide, we’re a team that feels more like a family and we can truly say we love what we do. We invest in each other just as much as we invest in our valued clients. Get to know each of us and our favorite parts of the job!
I am one of the founders of City Wide Produce and helped set the company up for success since 2010! My current day-to-day involves buying and selling produce, managing our staff, and making City Wide grow.
What is Your Favourite Part of Working with City Wide Produce?
The produce and the people. I found a love for produce when we owned our retail front in the early 2000s and have loved the industry ever since. City Wide has allowed me to meet people that are just as passionate about produce as me!
What is Your Favourite Fruit or Vegetable and Why?
Cauliflower (Gobi). For one reason and one reason only, Gobi de Paranthe, particularly raw Gobi Paranthe. It is absolute perfection in a dish and I will probably have some today for lunch!
Meet
Ramandeep Singh
Sales Account Manager
What Do You Do at City Wide Produce?
I have worked as a Sales Account Manager at City Wide Produce since 2022. I’m responsible for implementing a strategic sales plan that expands the company’s customer base and ensures its strong presence in the produce market. As a B2B professional, I guarantee customer satisfaction by understanding their buying pattern and pain points and providing customized buying experiences.
What is Your Favourite Part of Working with City Wide Produce?
Being City Wide team members, we get treated as customers of City Wide, so we are always in high spirits to enjoy every part of working here. Moreover, the whole team is so amazing and industrious that it compliments one another and makes the job easier. But specifically, I enjoy meeting customers in person, where I get the opportunity to understand the Produce Market deeply and their professional and personal lifestyles.
What is Your Favourite Fruit or Vegetable and Why?
My favourite fruit is pineapple. It has multiple health benefits as it contains beneficial compounds such as Vitamin C, Magnesium, Vitamin B6, etc., but I like it because of its mouthwatering taste – sweet & acidic. With respect to Mango, I consider pineapple the king of fruits.
Meet
Mona Zamani
Sales - Account Manager
What Do You Do at City Wide Produce?
My role at City Wide Produce is Sales – Account Manager. My role is identifying customers needs and ensuring they have a positive experience from start to finish. I am still new to the Team but have 9 years experience in the Produce Industry and looking forward to the growth and success of City Wide Produce.
What is Your Favourite Part of Working with City Wide Produce?
My favourite part of joining City Wide is meeting new colleagues & the opportunity to provide a fulfilling experience to customers. Being a part of City Wide produce, allows our team to contribute to people’s well -being by providing them with nutritious options for their meals.
What is Your Favourite Fruit or Vegetable and Why?
My favorite fruit is Watermelon, it’s a good source of antioxidants and nutrients.
It’s refreshing and sweet, and can’t beat having a juicy watermelon on a summer day. Watermelon is incredibly versatile, suitable for enjoying on its own, in salads and smoothies.
Meet
Kirk Coolen
Lead Buyer
What Do You Do at City Wide Produce?
Lead Buyer – I have recently joined City wide Produce my daily duties include Procurement / Sales of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables. I am still new to the Team but have many years experience in the Industry and look forward to the growth and future success of City Wide Produce.
What is Your Favourite Part of Working with City Wide Produce?
My favourite part of working for City wide, one day is never the same with changes markets it keeps my passion going for this crazy business I have meet some life long friends.
What is Your Favourite Fruit or Vegetable and Why?
Green beans few ingredients are as versatile. They can be sautéed- braised – fried – steamed. They contain Vitamin A,C,E and K.
Meet
Fazleen Khan-Gupta
Project Lead
What Do You Do at City Wide Produce?
I am one of the co-founders alongside my husband, Gopal- we are a family run business with our City Wide family. My role is always evolving from driving our first cube van in the early days, to book keeping and then implementing and maintaining our Food Safety Certificate. Currently I will work towards systemizing City Wide Produce’s procedures and implementing an operating system that will assist in our growth so we can prepare to move into our new facility in 2025!
What is Your Favourite Part of Working with City Wide Produce?
Being able to work with an amazing team and see their passion for produce and their growth as City Wide also grows. Something we began as a necessity in 2010, is now a platform for others to expand their careers and lifestyles. I find it fulfilling to interact with fellow members of the produce community and engage with other entrepreneurs through diverse associations that City Wide Produce is affiliated with.
What is Your Favourite Fruit or Vegetable and Why?
I love to cook and enjoy a plethora of fruits and vegetables, but there’s 1 universal vegetable that makes all cuisines splendid- The Onion! Cuisines around the world use this as a staple in their meals; the use of the onion dates back over 5000 years ago. If I could only pick 1 fruit then it has to be an Ataulfo Mango with its smooth textures, juiciness, and that tropical island feel with each bite. Throw 1 in the freezer and enjoy a healthy frozen treat!
Meet
Janet Wang
Office Administrator
What Do You Do at City Wide Produce?
My main duty at City Wide Produce is handling our AR and AP, I also need to make sure all the food safety certifications are updated and follow every step to ensure our food quality. I have been here since November 2020. I am still new here, but I am excited to try my best to support everyone in our team and grow with City Wide Produce.
What is Your Favourite Part of Working with City Wide Produce?
Definitely the culture at City Wide Produce. Everybody here makes food safety a priority and tries our best to ensure that the quality of the product is the best. And we all have the same goal and believe that our success begins with customer satisfaction. I feel lucky to have an opportunity to work in such an excellent team. I am also excited to have a chance to grow with City Wide Produce.
What is Your Favourite Fruit or Vegetable and Why?
I like many different kinds of vegetables. It is really hard for me to choose my favourite vegetable from spinach, broccoli and tomato. However, it’s super easy for me to say that avocado is my favourite fruit.
Avocados are incredibly nutritious. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that can help me to keep healthy. Besides, the delicious taste and creamy texture of fresh avocados are undeniably craveable. I always use avocados in sandwiches, salad or tacos. It would not be an exaggeration to say that I love eating any food with avocados. Last but not least, avocados are always in season. So I can enjoy avocados anytime during the year. This is really really amazing!
Meet
Rajvinder Singh Mehra
Warehouse Supervisor
What Do You Do at City Wide Produce?
I have been with City Wide Produce for over two years. My job includes receiving, shipping, and storing products. Warehouse Operations such as maintenance and clean up as well as any other tasks that need to be done in the warehouse.
What is Your Favourite Part of Working with City Wide Produce?
The supportive culture! City Wide encourages the growth of their team and really looks out for us. I have been with the team for a few years now and my role has grown as the company does; which really showcases the investment the company makes into its team.
What is Your Favourite Fruit or Vegetable and Why?
My favourite vegetable has to be cauliflower. I love it particularly in a recipe that I make at home which combines cauliflower, green peppers, and potatoes cooked with traditional Indian spices. It’s delicious!
Meet
Harvey Mander
Delivery Truck Driver
More about Harvey coming soon!
Meet
Major Singh Kaler
Delivery Truck Driver
What Do You Do at City Wide Produce?
At City Wide, I work a variety of jobs including driving and delivering orders, shipping and receiving produce, storing produce and warehouse maintenance and operations. I’ve been here for over four years!
What is Your Favourite Part of Working with City Wide Produce?
Everyone is like family. I feel respected and appreciated for the work I do. They continually show that my voice will be heard about the operations of the company and how we can grow together to be better. Everyone is very understanding and it creates a work environment that is very comfortable.
What is Your Favourite Fruit or Vegetable and Why?
My favourite vegetable is an onion. I am a big fan of Bar-be-que and onions are vital for cooking meats, whether it be as a side or part of the main recipe. Onions are so versatile and so tasty!
Meet
Palwinder Singh Dhaliwal
Warehouse Operations
What Do You Do at City Wide Produce?
Since July 2022, I have been employed at City Wide Produce. Simply put, my job consist of shipping, receiving, maintaining an organized warehouse, and checking the quality of the goods we get to guarantee that all safety measures for food are strictly adhered to. Through the team’s support, we ensure that orders are delivered on time and that the goods are properly inspected to guarantee customer satisfaction at all times.
What is Your Favourite Part of Working with City Wide Produce?
The aspect of working at City Wide Produce that I enjoy the most is the sense of family, where everybody is free to speak for themselves and any issues are resolved straight away. I experienced a lot of positive qualities within this environment, like teamwork, unity, and many more. In addition, I would like to add that this has been my only job since my arrival in Canada last year. Never have I ever felt that my growth is halted or at a standstill. Theere is a great room of opportunities in the organization.Our team has been extremely encouraging, and because I’m a fairly social person, I get along well with everyone.
What is Your Favourite Fruit or Vegetable and Why?
Carrots are my favorite vegetable. It is a very tasty vegetable. It can be prepared with all the traditional Indian spices and can also be simply consumed as a salad uncooked. It is a very nourishing vegetable without the flavors, such It contains significant amounts of Vitamin A, Potassium, Calcium, Vitamin K1, and Vitamin C. Additionally, it aids in weight loss, betters skin health, and maintains a strong immune system. It also helps with eyesight.
Meet
Gurkomalpreet Dhaliwal
Warehouse Operations
What Do You Do at City Wide Produce?
Hi my name is Gurkomalpreet, I work as a warehouse employee, primarily responsible for loading, unloading, and packaging customer orders.
What is Your Favourite Part of Working with City Wide Produce?
My favourite part of working is loading and unloading the pallets. Moreover the team of Citywide Produce treats me like family and I am also the youngest worker in our team.
What is Your Favourite Fruit or Vegetable and Why?
My favourite fruits are oranges and cantaloupe I love to eat those and I also love to drink orange juice.
Meet
Arun Sharma
Warehouse Operations
What Do You Do at City Wide Produce?
I have been with City Wide Produce since November 2021. Basically, my job responsibilities are shipping, receiving, maintenance of warehouse (cleanliness) and quality check ( all food safety procedures are followed) of the produce we receive. With collective support from the team, we make sure to get the orders go on time and proper quality assurance of produce so as to ensure customer satisfaction is met at all times.
What is Your Favourite Part of Working with City Wide Produce?
The most favourite part while working with City Wide Produce is having an atmosphere just as family where a person has every right to express themselves and has all the problems solved first hand. That is the atmosphere in which I grew so many good qualities such as cooperation, unity and many more….
Alongside this, I get so many opportunities to grow within company which I always thrive for so that I am not just bounded to one thing. Our squad has been very supportive and I have very good bond with everyone as I am very social person.
What is Your Favourite Fruit or Vegetable and Why?
My favourite vegetable is OKRA (Bhindi in Punjabi). It is such a delicious vegetable when cooked with all the authentic Indian spices. Instead of the flavours, it is such a nutritious vegetable such as It’s rich in magnesium, folate, fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C, K1, and A. It may also have anticancer properties and supports a healthy immune system.
Meet
Alisha Khan
Marketing Strategist
What Do You Do at City Wide Produce?
As the Marketing Strategist at City Wide Produce, my main job is to come up with ways to market our products and services. This includes creating content for social media, print ads, and updating our website. I make sure our marketing efforts are engaging and effective by analyzing how well they’re doing and making changes as needed.
What is Your Favourite Part of Working with City Wide Produce?
One of the things I love most about working at City Wide Produce is getting to learn about and discuss the produce market. It’s fascinating how quickly this industry changes!
What is Your Favourite Fruit or Vegetable and Why?
Okra is hands down my favourite vegetable. Its versatility and rich flavour make it a standout in any dish. I love it as okra curry or as okra fries baked in the air fryer!
“That first little grocery store we owned in 2007 was our education. We learned how passionate we are about fresh produce!”
- Owners Gopal and Fazleen
City Wide Produce
Invests in the Community!
Read up on our latest news and partnerships with organisations around the Lower Mainland
Yes we are! We worked diligently to earn our Canada GAP Certification in 2018 showing that we take food safety seriously, a representation of our commitment to providing our clients with produce that is safe, fresh and of the highest quality.
Certification is the term used by CanadaGAP to describe the determination by a qualified authority that the supplier meets the standard and that its food safety program is being maintained on an ongoing basis. This involves having a third party auditor from the Certification Body visit the operation, review the food safety manual(s) and related records, interview the operator and staff, and assess the company’s conformance to the CanadaGAP Audit Checklist. Since the Audit Checklist covers all crop groupings, multi-crop operations may be able to cover their entire production in one audit, depending on which activities are occurring at the time of the audit. Those who pass the audit are certified to the program.
Certification indicates that the operation has a system of procedures to minimize the risk of contamination to product. The Certification Body certifies processes, not products. The auditor gathers evidence to attest to the ongoing maintenance of the food safety system, rather than simply gaining a snapshot at a given point in time
Benefits:
GFSI-recognized (certification options B, C, D [repacking and wholesaling])
Program has full Canadian Government Recognition
Consistency of audit results
Objective, third party certification of suppliers
Internationally accredited Certification Bodies
Certification Bodies are arm’s length to both the scheme owner (CanadaGAP) and the customer
Auditors trained specifically on requirements of the CanadaGAP Program
Trained professionals responsible for assessing supplier conformance to technical requirements
Ongoing oversight of Certification Body and auditor performance by CanadaGAP and international accreditation bodies
Complaint and dispute management mechanisms
We stock produce like onions, potatoes and oranges from outstanding growers all across North America including Canada, the United States and Mexico.
All of our growers are certified and grow produce of the highest and freshest quality.
City Wide Produce supplies fresh and delicious produce all across Western Canada, including all of British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba.
City Wide Carries a wide range of fruits, vegetable and herbs including:
