Katzman Produce has five decades of success at Hunts Point
S. Katzman Produce has been operating out of the Hunts Point Market for more than five decades and knows what it takes to be a success.
“New Yorkers like it all so we need to have it all,” said Stefanie Katzman, executive vice president at S. Katzman Produce. “That means all products all the time, including the next new product that hasn’t even made it to the supermarket shelves yet. And we have that here.”
Another secret to success is listening to the customers.
“They will tell you what they want,” Katzman said. “Work for your growers; they are putting everything they have into their products.”
Over the past year, one of the biggest changes at the company has been the shift from foodservice to retail, largely due to the pandemic. 
“Not only were consumers cooking more at home, but they also started to become more adventurous in the kitchen. As a result, they began to seek out items that had traditionally only been sold to foodservice,” Katzman said. “Because of this, our retailers developed a need for foodservice items in retail packs.”
As a wholesaler/distributor, S. Katzman Produce played a pivotal role in communicating this information up and down the supply chain to help both its growers and retailers.
“This created an opportunity for our growers who saw a drop in foodservice business to be able to find another outlet for their product,” Katzman said. “We were also able to fulfill our customers’ needs which were based on changing consumer demands and shopping habits. And we got to bring some of these great restaurant items to the retail level so consumers could try out some delicious and challenging new recipes in their kitchens.”
For customers coming into the Hunts Point, working with the right salespeople will set them up for success and that’s where the company shines.
“Your produce supplier should not just sell you produce they should be a resource for information on market conditions, quality, flavor, seasonality, and of course, letting you know about that brand-new item that just came out that you have to have for your store,” Katzman said. “Follow their guidance and you will be successful. After all, if you are successful then so are they.”
S. Katzman Produce treats its retail customers as partners, understanding the company is an extension of their warehouse and are there to support them with whatever they need.
“Whether it’s sales ads, store resets, a new item they are looking for, or most importantly, making sure we can consistently supply them with all their fresh fruits and vegetables,” Katzman said. “Our retailers support us as well by adjusting retail pricing to push out specials so we can sell extra volume when Mother Nature decides production is going to surpass estimates. We get feedback on how products are selling at the consumer level so we can make adjustments where we can when needed.”
As fourth generation in the S. Katzman Produce family business, Katzman is driven to live up to the reputation that her father, grandfather and great-grandfather have created for the business.
“Being successful in the produce industry takes passion, and if you’re not going to be passionate and work hard for your family and reputation, then what else is there?” she said. “Being a family business sets the bar for success very high and it’s the best motivation for wanting to go above and beyond to exceed expectations and continue to raise the bar.”
