Nathel & Nathel celebrating big milestone

As a long-time wholesaler on the Hunts Point Market, the third generation run Nathel & Nathel continues to be a top importer and exporter, supplying retailers and wholesalers worldwide with produce.

The company operates 26 units on Row C and Row D, and has 70,000 square feet of refrigerated warehouse space, 180 employees and 40 trucks.

“We have been in the Hunts Point market since 1967,” said Joshua Gatcke, general manager of Nathel & Nathel, “Our proximity to our customers across several states ensures that we have high touch points with everyone. We are a service provider, and just as important as the quality of the produce is the level of service we provide. Our proximity to customers in the tri-state area allows us to ensure that they receive close attention and unparalleled service.”

While it’s been in the market for 55 years, the company is actually celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2022, as Daniel Nathel started the company with his partner Gashon Wishnatzki in 1922.

In the ’70s, Ira Nathel started working for the company and became president in 1990. Since then, he has transformed the company into one of the nation’s leading wholesalers.

“Nathel remains committed to its core principles and to provide the highest level of service to our customers and shippers, a large majority of which have been working with us for many decades,” Gatcke said. “We look forward to providing the highest quality produce and customer service for another 100 years.”

Last year Nathel & Nathel saw significant growth across its whole line of vegetables and fruit.

“It’s important to keep our customers appraised of the latest trends in the industry so we continuously incorporate new commodities and packaging innovations into our product line,” Gatcke said. “Organics continues to be a large driver of growth for the company as end consumers demand organically grown produce and retailers carve out more square footage for organic offerings in their stores.”

So far, 2022 has presented the company with many challenges, but with 100 years of experience behind it, the company knew how to get by.

“Business has been disrupted by international and local logistic disruptions that generated supply gaps for core commodities,” Gatcke said. “Despite this, Nathel has been able to leverage its partnerships with the industry’s best growers and shippers and logistics partners to ensure that customers continue to have access to the highest quality produce.”

Nathel & Nathel takes great pride in building relationships that last generations. For instance, the company has been working with Turlock Fruit Co. for 62 years.

“Our founder, Daniel Nathel, started working with James Smith in 1960 to sell premium California melons and 62 years later our partnership is as strong as ever,” Gatcke said. “As pioneers in the imported fruit and vegetables, we have been able to supply uninterruptedly of produce across all lines. Clear communication has been and will continue to be key to our long-lasting partnerships.”

This past year, the company received its Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification.

“The certification demonstrates our commitment to ensuring our customers receive the highest quality produce and service,” Gatcke said. “Our customers can be assured that our produce has been produced, prepared, and handled according to the most recognized standards.”