Produce Middleman Sales Staff
せいかなかがいてんいん
Industry & Occupation
Classification
- Major : Sales and Marketing Occupations
- Middle : Sales Clerks
- Minor : Food and Beverage Sales Clerks
Summary
Specialized profession that procures vegetables and fruits from farmers or producers at the market, assesses quality and freshness, and wholesales to retailers or restaurants.
Description
Produce middleman sales staff start early in the morning at the produce market to procure vegetables and fruits from producers or agricultural cooperatives, assess quality, freshness, and price, and wholesale to retail stores or restaurants. They monitor market trends and seasonal changes in production volume, conduct negotiations and procurement at appropriate timings, and also handle inventory management, loading and unloading work, and delivery arrangements. Building trusting relationships with customers and establishing efficient logistics systems are crucial, requiring physical stamina, judgment, and communication skills.
Future Outlook
While there is a shortage of workers due to declining birthrates and aging population, and market consolidation is progressing, the expansion of direct sales and online markets demands greater efficiency in logistics and wholesale operations. Demand is expected to increase for personnel skilled in quality management and digital adaptation.
Personality Traits
Can Respond Flexibly / Excellent Communication Skills / Excellent Observation Skills / Has Physical Stamina
Work Style
Early Morning Shifts / Indoor and Outdoor / Market Work / Team Shift System / Transfers Possible
Career Path
Junior Middleman Staff → Senior Middleman Staff → Chief / Team Leader → Buyer / Purchasing Manager → Market Wholesale Company Executive / Independent
Required Skills
Basic PC Operation / Loading and Unloading Work / Market Trend Analysis / Price Negotiation / Quality Management of Fresh Produce
Recommended Skills
Communication Skills (Foreign Languages) / Food Hygiene Management / Logistics Knowledge / Marketing Knowledge
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Adaptability | Because it is necessary to respond to changes in market conditions such as weather and price fluctuations. |
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | To discern quality and freshness. |
| Communication Skills | Because there is a lot of negotiation and coordination with producers and buyers. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Because there is a lot of standing work from early morning and handling of heavy items. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Creativity & Ideation | Mainly handling existing products, so creative thinking is not particularly needed. |
Related Qualifications
- Food Hygiene Manager
- Vegetable Sommelier
Aliases
- Produce Broker
- Produce Buyer
Related Jobs
- Greengrocer Staff
- Produce Wholesaler
- Vegetable Sommelier