Riggio Distribution happy to be in summer

As a trusted anchor tenant at the Detroit Produce Terminal, Riggio Distribution Co. has a long history of being one of the largest produce wholesalers servicing the Midwest.

The third-generation wholesaler deals in all aspects of the produce industry, offering a full selection of fresh fruits and vegetables which are shipped seven days a week to retail customers and foodservice customers.

“Michigan is our home; we have deep roots in our area with business, family and friends,” said Dominic Riggio, the company’s president. “Many of our customers and suppliers are family friends, from growers and suppliers, to retail stores, restaurants and banquet halls.”

The roots date back to Riggio’s grandfather, who immigrated to Detroit from Terrasini, Sicily and found a golden opportunity in the food industry and became a produce peddler. His father continued in the business and today it’s running as strong as ever.

Riggio Distribution Co. also sources product from all over the world by air, boat, truck and train, and takes pride in sourcing locally grown product as much as possible when available.

Business has been strong so far in 2023 and things are expected to get even better now that the warmer summer days are here.

“Moving into the summer months in Michigan is always a great time and opportunity to showcase the fresh produce grown locally in and around Michigan,” Riggio said. “We represent many growers and product lines the highlight our great growing region from the first summer crops all the way into pumpkins and storage crops.”

He added that Southeast Michigan is a very diverse region with many ethnic cuisines and that helps boost business.

“The retailers in this area are extremely quality driven, and this creates a very competitive market environment,” Riggio said. “The competition for quality creates an environment for a strong fresh produce town.”

Like most in the produce industry, Riggio Distribution is no stranger to challenges and has the experience and expertise to work around whatever may pop up, be it labor, higher costs or transportation issues.

“The biggest challenge changes on a daily basis,” Riggio said. “The bottom line is wholesaling fresh produce is one big set of challenges every day.”

Riggio Distribution services national retail chain stores, independent retail stores, broadline distributors, independent food service wholesalers, as well as food manufacturers—basically anyone who uses fresh produce.

“What makes us most proud of our company are the relationships we have developed over many years with both suppliers and customers, as well as the people on our team,” Riggio said.