The New England Produce Council Inc. hosted a breakfast event at the New England Produce Center and Boston Market Terminal June 7 with Arrowfarms/Gold Bell Inc., Eaton & Eustis Co. and Travers Fruit Co. Inc. as the sponsors for this event. The morning began with guided tours of both the New England Produce Center and the Boston Market Terminal followed by presentations and a delicious breakfast. This event was attended by many retailers, vendors and foodservice representatives.  Walter Campbell of the New England Produce Center leading a tour of the market.

This was a great opportunity for the NEPC membership to tour the produce center and see one of the largest privately owned terminal markets in the country.

Susan Tavilla, third-generation at the P. Tavilla Co., spoke about the early days of the produce market in the Faneuil Hall location and then ultimately the opening of the current Chelsea location in 1968. "On the first day of business at the [New England Produce Center], Tavilla gave away a straight load of 10# Maine Potatoes -- grown and packed in their own farm in Presque Isle," she said. "It was a sight to behold. There are still several original owners here, 49 years after inception: Silk, Strock, D'Arrigo, Eaton & Eustis, B&R, Arrow, Garden Fresh, Condakes, Boston Celery, Beacon, Cerasulo, Maharas and Tavilla. Currently, there are two companies that are fourth-generation here in the market (D'Arrigo and Strock) and some that are third-generation." 

Tavilla emphasized the BMT and the New England Produce Center operate separately, but there is a comradery between the two entities. "To those of you who support the New England Produce Center and the Boston Market Terminal, I am here to say a big thank you," she said. "Without you, I can't do what I love to do! For those of you who do not use the market, re-think it. We are a great group of hard working men, and a few women and we are here to work with you on a regular basis to make sure your customers get the best and the freshest produce." Mark Jewell and Mark Glanville of Hannaford Bros. with Jim Cipriano of Arrowfarms and Joanne Dolan of Gold Bell Inc.

The presentation proceeded with the history of Arrowfarms/Gold Bell Inc. with Sal Cipriano in 1955 and $27 in his pocket beginning his venture to what has developed into Arrowfarms, Gold Bell Inc. and DiSilva Fruit with the help of his children.

Anthony Sharrino of Eaton & Eustis Co. spoke about the mission of the New England Produce Center and the primary objective is to supply the highest quality fresh fruits and vegetables. The family-owned-and-operated produce company tradition continues today with Travers Fruit Co. Inc., a fruit and produce wholesaler supplier, established in 2011 by brothers Paul and Richie Travers.

The New England Produce Center and Boston Terminal Market are vital to our business, Anthony Sattler, NEPC president, said in a press release. "They provide a service to our region that is second to none. We would like to thank each produce house for having us and for their diligence day in and day out. A special thank you to Arrowfarms/Gold Bell Inc., Eaton & Eustis Co. and Travers Fruit Co. Inc. for sponsoring this event."