Economy Produce & Veg Co. Inc. added industry veteran Adam Silverman as its executive vice president recently, but that’s not the only noteworthy change at the Cleveland-based company.

“There’s a lot of excitement in the air and so much going on here,” said Silverman, who is spearheading the company’s supply chain, distribution and operation departments. “The Economy Produce wholesale market mentality is somewhat gone, so our distribution has become much larger.”

For instance, the company now goes to the east and southeast markets, and farther into the Midwest.

“Our footprint has changed over the last nine months,” Silverman said. “We’re looking to expand into Canada. We’re also going to reopen a cross-dock facility in McAllen, TX.”

Additionally, the company is looking to build a new 90,000-square-foot building across from its current home.

There’s also an effort to increase technology, including a new software system, plus new trucks and trailers on the way.

“I’m trying to change a lot of the old stuff and make this a new business, and that’s working very well,” Silverman said. “There’s a lot going on here, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and everyone is excited about what’s happening.”

Economy Produce does business with everyone from the big guys to the small guys — big foodservice to independents with one van.

One thing that hasn’t changed is Economy Produce’s dedication to delivering the highest quality produce while maintaining strong relationships with its customers.

“We believe that this commitment is what sets us apart in an ever-evolving industry,” Silverman said.

Since coming on board, Silverman has hired Barbara E. Espinosa as director of logistics and added more personnel as well.

“There are a lot of years of experience here with the people I’ve brought on, and I’m extremely proud of them all,” Silverman said. “I grew up in this business, with my parents having owned a wholesale business way back when. Between the five people I brought in, there’s 160 years of experience.”

One challenge that the company has faced — and one that the entire industry is dealing with — concerns labor.

“The cost of labor is expensive, people aren’t so dependable and reliable and the workforce remains our biggest challenge,” Silverman said. “Drivers, pickers, porters and even management — it’s tough to find the people you need.”

Looking to 2024, he expects for Economy Produce to double its business as it brings in new people and builds a more serviceable company.

“We make ourselves accessible to everybody every day,” Silverman said. “My hat goes off to our two owners — they are great guys and care about their people.”

The company is more value-added-centric right now, and he expects that to continue to prosper and grow in 2024 as well.

“Tomato repacking is coming on strong,” Silverman said. “Bagging, re-bagging and reworking seems to be a very big thing in our business right now, and I feel that will get bigger and bigger as we grow.”

Silverman believes his past experience plays a big part in where the company is going.

“This is all I’ve ever done, and this is sort of like my new baby, and it’s really working well,” he said. “I never thought I would leave Philadelphia and the East Coast, but this was a great opportunity and I know we can accomplish a lot here.”

Photo: Carlos Chinchilla, buyer; Tony Masola, buyer; Jack Jakobowitz, one of the two owners and Mike Beasley, buyer of Economy Produce.