“We have exhibited at the New York Produce Show every year since its inception,” Ronnie Cohen, vice president of sales for Vision Import Group LLC, in River Edge, NJ, told The Produce News. “We are active members of the Eastern Produce Council, and we attend a lot of meetings. And, this is our region, and so many of our customers and prospective customers attend this show.”

Cohen said that he believes that regional shows have taken on a life of their own — one that offers much more one-on-one intimacy between customers and suppliers.

“Major national shows are, of course, important, but they are so big that people don’t have the time they need or want to meet with business professionals,” he said. “These regional shows tend to bring the guys from down the ladder of customers, and talking to them and learning about their needs and ideas is very helpful. They want to share their thoughts about merchandising, handling and other issues, and not be super rushed at trying to do it.”

Cohen also feels that the new timing of Dec.10-12 is “spot on.”

“It’s far enough away from the PMA Fresh Summit, after Thanksgiving, but not too close to the other December holidays. And for many people in the Northeast, it is drivable, which they really like.”

Although he lives in New Jersey, Cohen said he can see Manhattan from his house. He also noted that there are many parking garages that are close to Pier 94, the NYPS’s venue, but parking can still be a problem. He said that some of the sponsor hotels that have parking may be helping out this year.

“Of course, Manhattan is expensive, but you get a real return on your investment,” he said. “If you are meeting with your customers and learning about how you can better service them, you will get the value back. It’s all relative: expensive but measurable with your return.”

Vision Import Group will be featuring all of its seasonal items at the NYPS, as well as talking up its yearly programs. It is currently evaluating a new bag, but Cohen was not sure in early November if it would be ready to present at the show.

“If it’s ready, it will be introduced at the event, but if not we’ll be talking it up. We want it done perfectly before anyone sees it,” he said.

Its value-added lemons are a new program for Vision Import Group this year, and they are being well received. The lemons are produced in Mexico and are available in two- and five-pound bags

“Our mango program continues to grow in all producing countries, and we have them year-round,” said Cohen. “Mangos are currently coming from Brazil, but by the NYPS we’ll be toward the end of that program and will have started with our Ecuador program. Peru runs through April, and then we transition to Mexico, Guatemala and Costa Rica.”

Vision Import Group recently opened a facility called Bay Florida in Lakeland. Bruce Letchworth handles sales at the facility. Letchworth was previously with SUPERVALU and before then with Publix Super Markets. Vision Import Group hired him to work retail sales with customers in the Southeast.

Vision Import Group has global growing partners to provide the highest quality products and service to its customers. Every grower is held to the highest food-safety standards and certifications.

“Through these partnerships, we deliver the highest-quality produce at a fair price,” said Cohen. “We provide our customers with up-to-date information on product availability, market price points, trends, weather and other variables that influence our commodities. This open communication allows our customers and our grower partnerships to flourish. “Our staff provides exceptional service, support and comfort to our customers due to our acquired knowledge from many years of experience in the industry,” he said. “As industry leaders, we strive to provide quality, fair pricing, unmatched customer care and innovative products.”