Morris Okun Inc., a full-service produce company located at the Hunts Point Produce Market in the Bronx, NY, is one of the older tomato repackers in the industry.

On April 28, Thomas Cignarella, president of the company, told The Produce News that this year’s tomato movement started out sluggish in the southern growing regions.

“But things will pop from Florida in the next week to two,” he explained. “We expect there will be a lot more volume, which means we’ll be searching out new markets. Strong Florida movement may affect the Mexican tomato movement because growers there may not be able to compete.”

Last year Morris Okun launched a new tropical division, and Cignarella said it is progressing nicely. It is handling items that appeal to the ethnic trade, and it is sourcing from around the world. It had recently acquired units 429 to 433 on row D of the market to handle the line, which has also enabled the company to become involved with a new customer base. The line includes an extensive range of root items such as yucca, boniato, yellow and white yams, malanga and a wide variety of herbs, such as cilantro and ajicito peppers.

“The line also offers calabaza, yampi root, apio root, Thai guava, regular guava, green-skinned avocados mangos, plantains and papaya,” Cignarella said. “We are sourcing from Thailand, Central, South and North America and other regions where these items are produced.”

Morris Okun is constantly improving its facility with new refrigeration, new equipment and it even added a new Internet technology department in the recent past.

The company was established in 1926, and was among the first companies that took space in Hunts Point when it opened in 1967. Over the years, it expanded to 16 units on Row B, becoming known as a pillar at the terminal for its consistent high-quality products and exemplary customer service. Louis Getzelman serves as vice president of the firm.

Morris Okun started out as a small family owned venture at the old Washington Market in Manhattan, and has evolved into an industry leader. The company prides itself on its relentless commitment to all of its affiliates’ satisfaction, including customers, growers and shippers. This is evidenced by its customer loyalty as well as the numerous industry awards rating it receives year after year.

Morris Okun provides premium-quality products and service to the greater New York, New Jersey and Connecticut metro areas.

Cignarella also mentioned that now that the Hunts Point Produce Market has secured a seven-year lease extension with the City of New York, which owns the property, Morris Okun would like to see overall facility improvements to increase and in a timely fashion. The company is also focusing on its own spaces with a goal of increasing its food-safety initiatives.

“Our strategy is to continue to utilize our high level of experience to pack only the best-quality produce, including tomatoes, potatoes and onions, under the ‘Okun’ label,” Cignarella said.

“Following the harsh past winter, we look forward to a fruitful spring and summer deal,” he continued. “As always, we will proudly offer a wide array of the finest fruits and vegetables procured from the best growers and shippers across the country and around the world.”