Inching near the end of the second year on the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market, Pinto Bros. Inc. said that being on the cutting edge facility continues to be a highly positive experience.

The company moved to PWPM when it opened in June, 2011, and occupies units G-7 through G-9 in the “blue” section of the market. The sections are brightly color-coded with hanging banners to make it easy for visitors to find the companies they want to visit.

Todd Penza, sales representative for the firm, told The Produce News that the company was able to gain more space in the new terminal market, which is benefiting it in numerous ways.

Louis Penza, president of Pinto Bros. Inc, with Sales Representative Todd Penza. The company moved to PWPM when it opened in June 2011 and occupies unites G-7 through G-9 in the ‘blue’ section of the market. Todd Penza said the added space has allowed the company to diversify and display more fresh produce. “Our pallet space is greatly increased, and we have additional space for product,” said Mr. Penza. “This added space has allowed us to diversify more than we could have at the old facility. Also, our display area for fresh produce is much larger than we previously had.”

He added that the temperature control features it now has means that produce stores better and lasts longer.

“Overall, we are hearing a lot less complaints about product condition than we did when we were located on the old market,” said Mr. Penza. “And there is definitely less shrinkage here.”

At the new facility, Pinto Brothers has four separate temperature control areas. This enables every product category to be stored at the ideal temperature meant specifically for it.

Mr. Penza also appreciates the high level of security in the new building. And that it is well maintained and kept extremely clean.

Pinto Bros. is a full line vegetable wholesaler, and it handles seasonal fruits, including mangos. The company sources its products from California and Mexico, and it follows the seasons from Florida northward every year.

It distributes as far north as New York, south to Washington D.C., and westward as far as Harrisburg, PA. It customers are retailers, foodservice operators and wholesalers.

The company is the exclusive distributor of “Pango Mango” branded mangos from Martex Farms in Puerto Rico. It is also the exclusive distributor for the “Champagne” mango from Ciruli Bros. in Nogales, Arizona.

Pinto Bros. was founded in the early 1900s, and Mr. Penza’s family purchased the business in 1972. He is a third-generation family member now working in the business. Six additional third-generation cousins also work at Pinto Bros., or in its affiliated Penza Trucking Co. business.

Pinto Bros. has felt the push for locally grown produce, and Mr. Penza said that the trend it fits the company’s profile perfectly.

“Local is the basis of our business,” he said. “Come July, about 90 percent of our products will be sourced locally and we’ll stick with local suppliers until the season has ended. We are in favor of the trend and we do our best to promote it.”