Ole Tyme Produce Serving The Community It Calls Home

Originally printed in the April 2023 issue of Produce Business.

Ole Tyme Produce, St. Louis, MO’s largest woman-owned fresh food distributor, is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Founded in 1973, Ole Tyme Produce has built a strong reputation for providing customers with the freshest, highest-quality fruits and vegetables available. Over the years, the company has expanded its operations, offering a diverse range of products and delivering to customers across Missouri and into Illinois.

To mark this milestone, the company has launched a special, limited-edition logo, which will be rolled out across all internal and external communications. The new logo features a refreshed design that pays tribute to the company’s rich history and past achievements, while embracing a modern look.

Joseph and Louise Daleo opened Ole Tyme Produce in 1973 in a converted two-bay filling station in St. Louis County. Joe’s parents, Sam and Rose Daleo, as well as his uncle, Peter Daleo, all owned and operated retail and wholesale produce companies. Like them, Joe was focused on fresh produce and quality service to his customers. Ole Tyme Produce grew into a wholesale company with a retail location. In 1983, Joe and Louise closed the retail store and relocated the company to the historic Produce Row in north St. Louis City. The company originally occupied two units on Produce Row, but later purchased additional space, operating out of six units from 1988 to 1998.

In 2001, the couple’s daughter, Joan Daleo, became president and chief executive of the company, building upon the original foundation of integrity, excellence and quality, and establishing a vision for the next generation. In 2016, after years of careful design and planning, Joan moved the company into a new, custom-built facility in St. Charles County. The red brick exterior of Ole Tyme’s new operational headquarters highlights the company’s St. Louis heritage. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to lead the company into the next 50 years of fresh food safety and distribution.

“We are proud to have served the community for 50 years. This new logo is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing high-quality produce and exceptional service to our customers,” says Joan Daleo. “As we move forward, we remain dedicated to our mission of being the trusted source for fresh, healthy food for customers and communities across our region.”

Ole Tyme Produce is committed to working with local farmers and suppliers to bring customers the freshest and most nutritious produce available. Additionally, Ole Tyme partners with national suppliers, providing high-quality products available year-round to its local customers.

Ole Tyme Produce is poised for continued growth and success in the years to come and is committed to serving its customers with the same level of quality and excellence for the next 50 years.