Last July, Exp Group LLC, purchased a 293,000-square-foot facility in North Bergen, NJ.

The company, a multinational organization based on several companies, and with numerous brands under its umbrella, occupies 53,000 square feet of the facility.

Vice President of Public Relations Anthony Serafino said Exp Group’s parent real estate company, 83rd Street SG LLC, runs the operation.

“It’s a 30-tenant facility, and we’re excited to have a real estate company under the Exp. Group umbrella of companies,” said Serafino, who is also the son of Emil Serafino, company president.

The generational family-operated company has consistently grown in size and scope. Its highly efficient network includes production, importation, exportation and distribution of tropical fruits and vegetables from the Caribbean, South America and Central America. It has particularly strong banana and plantain programs.

A proud member of the Eastern Produce Council, Exp Group is looking forward to exhibiting once again at the New York Produce Show and Conference in New York City on Dec. 5-8 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center located on New York City’s west side. It has participated in the show for many years.

“We will be featuring our 21 ripening facilities which are state-of-the-art at the show,” said Serafino. “Moreover, we are focusing on our Selvatica ripe plantain from Guatemala. We believe we have the best and the latest banana ripening rooms in New York City. We will also feature our Rosita brand premium yuca from Costa Rica.”

The company will also be sharing information about its food-safety and traceability initiatives at the event.

“We use RedLine Cooler Software, which we implemented about 16 months ago,” Serafino pointed out. “It has really made a difference in terms of our company’s efficiency.“

The company has also increased its staff. Serafino said Omar Duarte joined the Exp. Group team in the summer.

“Omar currently holds a business development position at Exp,” explained Serafino.

“He’s been in the industry for a number of years, and had a successful business, Cuba Tropical, at Hunt’s Point Terminal Market in the Bronx. He’s been doing some great things in terms of expanding business opportunities. We look forward to the future with him on our team.”

He added that Exp Group loves the New York Produce Show.

“It’s the only time during the calendar year when the produce community in the New York and surrounding regions come together under one roof,” stressed Serafino. “The dialogue after the show is always positive, and we enjoy speaking with the many companies that make this industry so great.

“December is a great time for the event,” he continued. “It provides us with a great opportunity to forecast 2017 very well to visitors to our booth.”