How Fruits Et Légumes Gaetan Bono Inc. Leverages Blue Book to Strengthen Business Operations
Fruits Et Légumes Gaetan Bono Inc. has been a mainstay in the Canadian produce industry for over 35 years. As an importer and wholesaler of a full line of conventional and organic produce, Gaetan Bono is also a key player in transportation and packaging, making them a fully integrated distribution company. Salvatore Lavorato, the company’s Vice President, explains how Blue Book serves as a critical tool in their business operations.
Using Blue Book for Credibility and Trust
For Gaetan Bono, Blue Book has long been an essential part of establishing credibility and building trust with both suppliers and customers. “When we got started on the import and purchasing side, a lot of companies from the US or all over the world weren’t familiar with our company. So, we really use Blue Book as a way to promote and explain to new suppliers that we have a good rating,” says Salvatore. By showcasing their solid reputation through Blue Book’s platform, Gaetan Bono has been able to present themselves as a trusted and reliable business partner.
The information from Blue Book helps to “solidify whatever the buyer’s position is” and provides valuable insight into both their own company and the products they offer. On a weekly basis, the company receives updates from Blue Book, including new listings and changes in the industry, which helps them stay ahead of market trends.
Business Builder Intelligence: Grow Your Business
Advertising with Blue Book has been an excellent way for Gaetan Bono to profitably establish and grow its business. By leveraging Blue Book’s targeted advertising tools, Gaetan Bono has enhanced its visibility within the industry, reached potential suppliers and customers, and reinforced their reputation as a trusted partner. Lavorato shares his experience, stating, “Whenever we do advertise in the Bluebook or whenever we do spend money on different various aspects in the Bluebook, we do get a lot of feedback, a lot of comments, a lot of current suppliers and new suppliers tend to reach out and we definitely get a good return on investment there.” The value of advertising with Blue Book—businesses not only increase their exposure but also receive tangible results in the form of new inquiries and opportunities, making it a powerful tool for driving growth and building lasting relationships.
Credit Intelligence: Ensuring Sound Business Relationships
Credit management is a key aspect of Gaetan Bono’s operations, and Blue Book plays an instrumental role in maintaining financial stability and mitigating risk. “It mainly helps us, I guess, to, prior to establishing a new relationship, get a sense of the customer’s creditworthiness,” says Salvatore. By utilizing Blue Book’s Credit Intelligence, Gaetan Bono can assess the financial standing of potential new customers and adjust their terms accordingly.
“If a customer has a bad rating, we might request tighter payment schedules or structure the deal differently,” Salvatore explains. This preventive approach helps them avoid potential pitfalls and ensures they are working with reliable partners. On the flip side, “if the rating is very good, we might be a little bit more lenient towards that customer.” This balance of risk management and flexibility supports Gaetan Bono’s ability to foster long-term business relationships.
Procurement Intelligence: Navigating New Avenues in the Global Market
The landscape of the produce industry is evolving rapidly, and Gaetan Bono is no exception in its pursuit of growth and diversification. As Salvatore notes, “The industry in Canada is changing at a fast pace…we’re really exploring new avenues” for sourcing produce. This includes an increased focus on sourcing from markets outside of North and South America, with products now coming from regions such as Europe, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and even Africa and South Africa.
In this context, Blue Book’s Procurement Intelligence tool provides invaluable support. “We’ve been dealing with Blue Book for as long as I can remember, and it has always been a reference in the industry,” says Salvatore. Blue Book’s database allows Gaetan Bono to identify new suppliers and track changes in supplier ratings, which is essential when exploring unfamiliar regions or negotiating with new partners.
“Certain companies will not sell to you unless you have a certain rating in the Blue Book,” Salvatore adds. This highlights the critical role Blue Book plays in opening doors to new suppliers and ensuring access to the best produce available.
A Reliable Industry Partner
Salvatore emphasizes the ease of working with Blue Book, describing their experiences as “very fluent” and efficient. From the CFO to the sales team, Gaetan Bono has found the platform accessible and reliable across the entire organization.
Salvatore is confident in Blue Book’s role within the industry, saying, “We’ve never had an issue, whether it’s with our CFO, accounting team, ownership, or salespeople.” This seamless integration of Blue Book into their operations has allowed Gaetan Bono to maintain its reputation as a trusted business partner within the produce industry.
In closing, Salvatore invites others to connect with Gaetan Bono through Blue Book. “To all your vendors, customers, and buyers out there, you could find us on the Blue Book, and you would realize that Gaetan Bono is a trusted partner for you.” The partnership between Gaetan Bono and Blue Book underscores the importance of reliable tools in an ever-evolving industry.
Conclusion
For Gaetan Bono, Blue Book is more than just a reference tool—it’s a business enabler. From establishing credibility with new suppliers to managing credit risk and navigating the complexities of global procurement, Blue Book helps the company maintain its leadership in the competitive fresh produce market. Through their partnership with Blue Book, Gaetan Bono continues to build stronger, more secure relationships across the produce industry, ensuring their continued success for decades to come.
