Although known for its signature item, fresh Italian chestnuts, A.J. Trucco’s diversification into other produce at the Hunts Point Terminal Market has been ongoing for decades.

A.J. Trucco’s core items also include kiwifruit, mandarins and other citrus programs, blueberries, garlic, limes and cherries, maintaining a year-round supply across key categories, said Yasmin Pacia, chief marketing officer at the wholesaler at the Bronx, NY-based terminal market.

The company distributes mainly to the tri-state area from the market, and Trucco Inc., which operates in Vineland, NJ, ships nationwide.

One of the original tenants at the Hunts Point market, which opened in 1967, A.J. Trucco started out 30 years before that, among the stands of the Washington Street Produce Market in downtown Manhattan. There, Salvatore Vacca “planted the seed for one of the most reputable and reliable produce distributorships in the industry,” according to the company’s website.

The company has three labels:

• TruStar — for citrus, blueberries and select fruit programs

• KiwiStar — for a dedicated kiwifruit program

• Fresco — for fresh and peeled garlic

“Together, they allow us to present a clear, organized identity across categories while maintaining consistent quality and recognition in the market,” Pacia said.

Trucco continues to focus on strengthening long-term grower partnerships, improving packaging and presentation across the company’s brands, enhancing operational efficiencies across the Hunt’s Point and Vineland facilities and investing in innovation and technology services, she said.

“Our approach is practical and focused on consistency, quality and long-term relationships,” Pacia said.

The Hunts Point Market offers close and immediate access to key buyers, she said. The Vineland distribution center saw a major expansion in 2024, adding another 80,000 square feet and upgrading to include increased cherry-packing capabilities. 

Both locations feature efficient handling and distribution systems, Pacia said.

Strong coordination between importing, warehousing and delivery functions ties it all together, allowing Trucco to move product quickly and maintain quality, Pacia said.

Trucco’s key qualities of customer service emphasize reliability and consistency, effective communication, adaptability to meet customer needs and building long-term relationships throughout the supply chain, she said.

“We aim to deliver the same level of service to every customer, regardless of size,” she said.

Last year’s highlights at the company include the continued growth and optimization of the Vineland, NJ, facility, ongoing improvements in packaging and brand presentation and a focus on strengthening internal team structure and collaboration, Pacia said.

Trucco’s goals for 2026, she said, center on continued growth of its core categories while maintaining a consistent, year-round supply across programs. The company is also focused on advancing sustainability initiatives, expanding and strengthening grower and customer partnerships, and continuing to invest in innovation.

These priorities align with Trucco’s broader approach to the business, which emphasizes operational efficiency across both Hunts Point and Vineland, as well as attracting and retaining qualified personnel to support long-term growth.