Industry Exposure
Despite the lack of enthusiasm regarding retail sourcing, PWPM merchants continue to network within the area and throughout the East Coast. The Eastern Produce Council has held its annual meeting at the facility for two years running, bringing in members from throughout the region.
“There are a lot of people in the industry we haven’t seen for a while before they came here (for the meeting),” Collotti enthused. “It’s an opportunity to rekindle those ties.”
The PWPM also gives back to the community in a number of ways, from having the market open to the public to sending fruit and vegetables to those in need. The latter is handled through donations and initiatives to several organizations, including local and regional food banks, as well as Philabundance.
Fresh Forum
While the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market is among the most modern facilities in the world, if there was one thing you could change, what would it be?Jack Collotti, Collotti & Sons, Inc.
I can’t think of anything I would improve. The location is right by I-95 and I-76, and very accessible. There’s no rail siding, but that’s not an issue for us.Chip Wiechec, Hunter Bros., Inc.
What I miss about the old market is you could see who was coming in… Here, it’s so big you can lose a feel for all of the customers. Sometimes, when customers owe you money, it’s easier for them to avoid you than at the old market. Also, customers may not walk around as much and see what’s available, due to the size. Rent is also a challenge.John Vena, John Vena, Inc.
The one thing I would change about our facility would be to put our sales and administrative offices adjacent to the Sales and Display area. In that way, all of our sales and customer service people would have a better opportunity to interact with a wider range of customers, and they’d be physically closer to the product. What we do requires such a depth of knowledge about what we have in the cooler, and strong relationships with every customer.Tracie Levin, M. Levin and Company, Inc.
The one thing I would change about the building is that the windows do not open to let in fresh air, especially during the spring and crisp fall days. But, in reality, keeping the cold chain is much more important— especially if it means keeping our food safe.Michael Cutler, Michael Cutler Company
The facility is terrific, but there’s no railroad siding—that makes shipping and receiving more difficult.John DiFeliciantonio, North American Produce Company
I can’t think of anything that could be better. We have mechanized loading docks, a huge number of loading docks, great lighting, wide aisles, lots of space to stage, there’s no congestion—this place is like heaven compared to what we used to work out of!Fred Penza, Pinto Bros., Inc.
I wish the rent was free (laughs). There is a need to decrease expenses and move more product.Mike Maxwell, Proccaci Bros. Sales Inc.
It’s really exceeded our expectations; it’s a beautiful facility. The employees are out of the elements. I can’t think of anything I would do differently.Michael Reilly, Ryeco, LLC
I’m really happy with our new facility, and I can’t think of anything that could be better.Tom Curtis, Tom Curtis Brokerage, Inc.
I would have it a little more accessible for the cash-in customers. They have to park at a distance, and if they need a jack, it’s a bit of a wait.
