“We have enjoyed a nice summer,” Tony Vitrano, president of Tony Vitrano Co., located at the Maryland Wholesale Produce Market in Jessup, MD, told The Produce News. “It hasn’t been too hot and we’ve been spared of any major storms, for which we’re thankful.”

Vitrano said that the demand for local produce continues on its gradual increase, and that the quality of it continues to improve over time.

The company is a year-round supplier of fresh fruits and vegetables. It has a strong western program, it sources from all other growing regions and it handles imports. But local has always been a big part of its business.

“When California is finished we bring things in from Mexico, Chile and other regions in Central and South America,” said Vitrano. “We are a reactionary company. We push what our customers want and what producers are pushing. We feel it’s our job to react quickly to whatever the demand of the day is.”

Tony Vitrano Co. is constantly upgrading its technologies and other aspects to its numerous units in building B at the terminal market, and the company adds new trucks to its fleet as needed.

Vitrano’s grandfather, also named Tony Vitrano, founded the company in 1932. In 1975, it relocated to the then newly opened MWPM. Vitrano’s father, Justin Vitrano, and his uncle, Norman Vitrano, continue to be involved in the business operations.

“But they both come regularly to help out,” said Vitrano. “Several other family members are also involved in the company’s operations.”

Vitrano said that August is typically a slow month, but as school begins and regional sports teams gear up for the season, business kicks back into a brisk move.

“The Baltimore community is definitely into and supportive of the local teams,” said Vitrano. “When the Orioles, the Redskins or the Ravens start their seasons, people start to come out to support them. The first Friday before the first Raven’s game every year is called Purple Friday. People deck out in their purple Raven’s t-shirts, caps and other accessories to go to work, and they all go out for entertainment afterward. It’s a really big deal and it brings a real lift to the city.”

Tony Vitrano Co. continually works hard to stay on top of the new rules that are coming down from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and its focus on these initiatives is ongoing.

“We are striving to be fully compliant in all of these areas, and we will continue to work in this direction,” he said.

He also noted that there are a lot of good things happening at the MWPM.

“Norman Vitrano, my uncle and Justin’s brother, is on the market’s advisory committee,” Vitrano explained. “It’s an elected board and it advises the market on policies. Norman has served on the board since the market opened in 1975.”

He also noted that Tom Turner rejoined the company about one year ago in the fruit division of its sales department.

“Tom has good experience, and we’re happy to have him back,” said Vitrano. “When a staff member leaves to embark on other personal issues and then chooses to return, it speaks to how a company values and treats its employees.”

“Overall, things are running pretty smooth currently,” he continued. “But we don’t take a moment of smooth sailing for granted because we know that things could change down the road.”