The fourth Eastern Produce Council Leadership Class saw first-hand the increasing complexity of the produce logistics and distribution system with a tour of the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market and Holt Logistics on March 22.

After nearly six months of collaborating to provide free fresh produce to low income Philadelphians, the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market and Sharing Excess have been able to donate 2.04 million pounds of food back to the community. With food insecurity continuing to impact 38 million Americans a year and 20 percent of Philadelphians, the organizations remain committed to making unsold produce that would otherwise be thrown away available to people in Philadelphia through food pantries.

The GIANT Company announced Thursday, Oct. 21 that its newest Philadelphia store, located at 2201 Cottman Avenue at the corner of Bustleton Avenue, will open Friday, Nov. 12 at 8 a.m. The 67,000-square-foot store will operate from 6 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week and employs approximately 150 full- and part-time team members.

Sabita Singh, a grocery veteran with nearly 25 years of experience, has been appointed store manager of the newest GIANT.

It’s been 10 years since the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market opened the doors to 6700 Essington Avenue to its fully enclosed, fully refrigerated 686,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility.

The 700,000-square-foot Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market houses 19 different produce merchants who worked diligently this past year to provide the region with reliable supply amidst a volatile market. As the Northeast moves into spring, merchants look forward to a more even keel.

“Merchants and customers are optimistic about the future,” said Mark Smith, PWPM general manager. “As things continue to open up, we are excited to provide the region with healthy produce.”

Procacci Bros., a major wholesaler in the Northeast, operates Garden State Farms at the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market.  In addition, Procacci has warehousing in South Philadelphia along with a farming operation in South Jersey.

Vendors and customers have confidence in Procacci Bros. because of its mission to grow and strengthen the business of its customers, its history of integrity, and respected brands.