“We are excited about adding a few new labels and programs to our wheelhouse of existing top brands,” Ira Nathel, president and owner of Nathel & Nathel Inc., located in the Hunts Point Terminal Market in the Bronx, NY, told The Produce News.

“We know that there is only one way to stay at the top in this business, and that is to always handle the best produce,” he continued. “Price is secondary, quality is first and foremost. Premium produce and a stellar staff are what make Nathel & Nathel the best produce company in the market.”

Last year, Nathel & Nathel expanded its Hunts Point operation considerably when it bought four units previously owned by Krisp-Pak. It now has 22 and one-half units. The additional space was targeted for a potato and onion division which, now added, rounds out the company’s offerings and gives it a full line of the most desirable produce items.

The company celebrated its 90 anniversary in business last year. Mr. Nathel is the third generation to operate the business. It was established in 1922 by Daniel Nathel & Gashen Wishnatzki as a partnership. The firm became wholesale merchants in the fruit and vegetable Industry, operating at the Washington street market in New York City, prior to relocating to Hunts Point.

“Today we handle virtually hundreds of SKUs,” said Mr. Nathel. “We do all of the common and conventional produce items and we source from everywhere in order to supply our customers with what they need at all times of the year.”

The East Coast seasonal movement, Mr. Nathel pointed out, is running a little late this year. Markets have been pretty strong for past three months, which was spurred by cold weather in Florida, Mexico and California.

“These weather-related delays slow movement and that always affect markets,” he said. “But quality is good, and by the time movement reaches the Northeast, it will likely all be back on schedule. This is a normal glitch that occurs in some years.”

Prices, he said, will level off as supplies come on stronger, adding that “it’s all about supply and demand.”

Mr. Nathel said the company has always been involved with and been a great supporter of local farmers.

“We source everything possible from upstate New York and New Jersey,” he said. “We are strong supporters of local farmers.”