Trucco navigating through difficult times

As one of the largest importers of fresh produce, dried fruits and nuts from around the world, A.J. Trucco has been a staple at the Hunts Point Terminal Market since the Bronx market first opened its doors in 1965.

“We came into the business with a simple goal: become a trusted, reliable resource for buyers and sellers, anchored by family values and a strict adherence to service and quality,” said Nick Pacia, CEO of Trucco. “We’re proud to say our original traditions and relationship-first commitment are still very much alive.”

The company’s retailers and partners are serviced by its sister company, Trucco Inc., based in Vineland, NJ, where there is a dedicated 75,000 square-foot state-of-the-art refrigeration and packaging facility. Thanks to its 2,500 pallet positions, superior environmental, high-efficiency tech, and brand-new advanced packing machinery, the facility is one of the most advanced on the East Coast.

But it’s at Hunts Point where the company conducts a great percentage of business on a daily basis.

“Hunts Point is a unique wholesale market where products worldwide meet customers that range from small independent retailers to restaurants to foodservice,” Pacia said. “We have grown at the market by specializing in specific products from dry fruits and nuts and greenhouse products to pineapple and kiwis.”

Trucco offers three powerful brands — KiwiStar, TruStar and Fresco — providing both conventional and organic produce at the peak of their flavor, delivered on time anywhere in the U.S.

“We have an excellent reputation, and our customers trust in supplying specialty for the best quality at the best costs,” Pacia said. “We have the ability to bring so much variety to customers from small independents to medium and large retailers and mom and pop stores.”

The company’s state-of-the-art Trucco distribution center technologies and processes ensure product safety, peak freshness and maximum flavor, while its automated packing lines, dry matter testing, ripening capabilities and microbe control are part of our industry-leading quality control protocols.

Additionally, Trucco features PrimusGFS certified cold storage and USDA Organic certified product handling.

Throughout the first quarter of 2022, the company has faced some of the same issues that are plaguing most of the industry — logistical delays, raising costs of products, transportation and supplies.

“It has been a challenging time due to logistics and the spike of COVID-19 during the first part of the year,” Pacia said. “Since we are a unique company that sells from dry fruits and nuts to produce, we saw an increase on the greenhouse line and on the kiwi.”

Trucco has a long and established relationship with the shippers and growers around the country, which allows it to plan ahead, minimizing the impact of any additional cost it has had to deal with during these past few months.