Manfredi Cold Storage planning next phase of growth

Manfredi Cold Storage is a family-owned and operated third-party logistics company that provides temperature-controlled storage, repacking, refrigerated freight and other services to the produce industry. 

“The goal of the produce industry is to get the right product to the right customer in a timely and efficient fashion,” said Frank Manfredi, owner of the Kennett Square, PA-based company. “The systems that we have developed over the last several decades are specifically to accomplish this goal. These efficiencies have led to a very cost effective solution for our customers. At Manfredi we try to add on to that and are always working to try and take this a step further.”

That’s accomplished thanks to a loyal and hard-working team that truly cares as growers and customers alike trust the company with their products on the way to final destination.

Rob Wharry, director of operations for the company, noted the produce business is always different year to year and each year presents its own challenges and opportunities.  

“The growing seasons and conditions around the globe are always changing,” he said. “2023 has seen lower market demand and supply of some commodities, and increased supply of others. Overall, we have seen the volumes into the ports on an upward trend over the last several years.”

The efficiency of port operations moving product from the ships inland is the key to being successful.  

“All of the imported produce that we handle comes through the ports of the Delaware River,” Wharry said. “Keeping the congestion that we have seen in other areas of the county to a minimum is a huge advantage to all the companies that rely on the Delaware River port for products.”

Manfredi Cold Storage currently has eight large avocado ripening rooms, each holding 24 pallets of fruit, and plans to be adding boutique avocado ripening rooms holding eight pallets of fruit in the near future. This will allow the company’s customers to satisfy their customers’ requirements of smaller orders with precise ripening requirements.

“Being able to adapt and change to the ever changing needs of the retailers is key to our success,” Manfredi said. “No two seasons are exactly the same and there is constant planning with our customer requests to ensure we are able to successfully handle their needs and requirements. From increased delivery frequency to smaller individual orders to the overall sheer volume of products that come up the river.”

This year, Manfredi Cold Storage is already into two phases on its newest facility in Pedricktown, NJ, which upon completion will house 600,000 square feet of temperature-controlled storage (with a mixed of chilled and frozen temperatures) repacking and office space on 52 acres with rail access. Planning for phase 3 is already underway as of early 2023.

That’s something that will be a boon to the business and something that will help it continue to be a go-to company for many.

“We have customers and accounts handling everything from fresh/chilled produce, frozen storage customers and prepared foods,” Wharry said. “We feel that working with our customers as a partner on everything from ways we can remain competitive, strategies to successfully handle their programs, and offering solutions when necessary allows us to maintain strong partnerships in this business.”