Since its founding over 60 years ago, Collotti and Sons, located at the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market, has remained committed to locally grown produce. But the company is also known for its full line of western and eastern fruits and vegetables. And it carries all of the top brand names in the industry. It specializes in all categories of berries produced both domestically and offshore.

“In addition to local growers, we also support growers in Canada and in Mexico,” Jack Collotti, president of company, told The Produce News. “Our mission and our goal is to always supply our customers with the best quality product regardless of where it is grown. We’re truly a full line house with just about every category. And we are actively involved with locally grown initiatives in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware and other regions that have programs in place.”

Collotti & Sons was one of the original occupants of the new PWPM when it opened in June 2011. It occupies units I-7 and I-8, in the green banner section of the facility.

Brian Collotti, one of three of the third-generation family members now working at Collotti & Sons at the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market.Collotti and his brothers, Vince and Chris, are the second generation to operate the business. The third generation is represented by the sons of the three brothers. Jack Collotti’s two sons, John, age 29, and Brian, age 27, and Vince’s son, Vince Jr., also works for the company.

“Demand for truckers is strong,” explained Collotti. “It too is a supply and demand business. Truckers today face stringent rules and regulations, all of which have fees attached. Truckers have to make a living too, and when they can’t they have to turn elsewhere to survive.”

This is why, he added, that everyone benefits by handling as much regional produce as possible.

“By sourcing from surrounding states during the seasons we are able to provide the freshest possible produce with the least food miles,” said Collotti. “Besides reducing our carbon footprint, it affords the lowest prices for our customers.”

Collotti and Sons distributes throughout the northeast and as far south as Virginia. Its customers include wholesalers, retailers, foodservice operators and industrial operations. Its primary focus is on customer service and delivering high-quality produce.

“Service is the primary goal in our company,” Collotti stressed. “There is plenty of competition in the produce industry, and service is the one place where we can be outstanding. Providing the best possible quality is imperative, of course, but we also bend over backwards for our customers.”