As A&J Produce Corp. nears its 50th anniversary in 2027, it’s worth noting the company’s founders already had a combined 75 years of industry experience that customers could rely on from the first day of business.

A&J Produce founders Al Weiler, Joe Levantino and John Tramutola had roots in New York City. Weiler and Tramutola bought out their partner in 1987. Expansions over the years have grown the company, which now occupies 31 units at Hunts Point Terminal Market.

Stephanie Tramutola, office manager at A&J Produce and John Tramutola’s granddaughter, said the company has actively participated with the ideals and goals of the Hunts Point market over the past 48 years.

Commitment to community

That extends to the surrounding communities. Tramutola said A&J Produce has a duty to give back to the community, and has partnered with the nonprofit Hunts Point Alliance for Children (HPAC), which works to ensure residents have access to academic, social and mental health tools through programs and services for local children and families.

In May 2024, HPAC recognized A&J Produce with its Community Hero Honoree Award, for its partnership and philanthropy.

“This spring, we are deepening our partnership with HPAC by hosting a career day for students,” Tramutola said. “We will provide educational tours of our warehouse, giving children insight into the importance of the food supply chain. By investing in their future and ensuring access to fresh fruits and vegetables, we are contributing to the health and well-being of the community.”

A&J Produce’s donations of fresh produce at HPAC seasonal events are a lifeline to families, especially with rising food costs and health care issues facing the Bronx community, said Yanilssa (Nisha) Taveras, HPAC’s development and communications manager.

“Their support goes beyond just providing food — it’s about creating opportunities for families to come together and share healthy meals,” Taveras said. “The A&J team doesn’t just donate; they are on the front lines, distributing food with kindness, positivity and genuine care. Their commitment to our work adds a human touch that strengthens the fabric of our community and helps us create a real, lasting impact.”

Family legacy

Tramutola said it’s important for longstanding wholesalers/distributors to continue their legacies through younger generations, who are committed to the values that made the business successful, while adapting to modern trends.

“By involving the next generation, businesses will continue to ensure their story is told and that their brand remains strong,” she said. “In the wholesale industry, which typically consists of family-owned businesses, relationships that were created since inception — at A&J we have relationships that started with the handshake of my grandfather — continue to thrive.”

Tramutola said the fresh produce industry invests in younger generations through programs that include the Eastern Produce Council Leadership Program, in which she has participated, and the International Fresh Produce Association’s Leadership Program, from which she graduates in October.

At A&J Produce, Tramutola has served in marketing, finance, accounts payable, purchasing, food safety and office management roles. She has introduced social media involvement, digitalization of assets, has forged philanthropic partnerships, and learned about upcoming trends from industry experts.

“Business is fluid and as things change, I change with them to accommodate the needs of A&J and its employees,” she said. “It is imperative to be flexible and constantly adapt to marketplace changes in order to succeed.”

Social media provides a way for A&J Produce to highlight the quality of its products and core principles of the business. Social media platforms allow the company to:

• Highlight the family legacy
• List employee bios
• Feature growers and shippers the company works with
• Display A&J Produce Corp. packaging, labels and products
• Showcase philanthropic partnerships, including HPAC, Food Bank for NYC and Grassroots Grocery
• Share employee involvement at industry events
• Inform customers about the company’s food safety certifications and commitment to food safety

“Building our digital presence has enabled us to showcase and promote our core values on a larger scale, while also gathering valuable insights like reach, engagement and content interactions,” she said. “This has allowed us to highlight our business in ways we couldn’t before our social media involvement.”