Brian Nichols, overseas distribution manager for T.M. Kovacevich-Philadelphia Inc., commonly referred to as TMK, handles the company’s distribution in Puerto Rico and has now expanded the company’s distribution into Bermuda.

“We are very excited about our opportunities in Bermuda,” said Tommy Kovacevich, general manager of TMK, located at the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market. “Although Bermuda has a rather small population, its demand for quality marries well with our strengths as a quality focused distributor.”

T.M. Kovacevich-Philadelphia Inc.’s location on the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market.T.M. Kovacevich International and T.M. Kovacevich-Philadelphia Inc. are separate entities, but both are owned by George Manos. In August 2012, T.M. Kovacevich-Philadelphia received its U.S. Department of Agriculture Audit Program for GAP and GHP.

Kovacevich said the company is continually adding trucks to its delivery fleet.

“This is something that is just a necessity in the new wholesale distribution/terminal market business model,” he explained. “Although I have no facts as to foot traffic, I believe it is fair to say that foot traffic at the wholesale markets has declined over the years. We’ve been able to steadily grow our business with one word; deliveries.”

He pointed out that the now four-year-old Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market has truly delivered on every promise.

“We, and more importantly the produce, are enjoying the temperature controlled environment,” he said. “Our customers are delighted with the extended shelf life of our products which are no longer exposed to the temperature changes associated with typical terminal markets. For our company, the growth enabled by this new market has been just awesome. We are continually adding new product lines and seeing new customers.”

Kovacevich said the company is very fortunate to be located in the Philadelphia area, a regional industry hub.

“Philadelphia is the largest port of entry for the Chilean deal,” he explained. “The Kennett Square mushroom deal is right here, as is the huge fruit and vegetable farming operations of South Jersey and Pennsylvania. Just think Jersey tomatoes, peaches and blueberries; Pennsylvania apples; Delaware and Maryland watermelons and lots more. All this means a lot of trucks able to pick up and make LTL deliveries.”

He added that more trucks are still needed.

“Right now is a great opportunity for the small businessperson to get into local LTL trucking,” he said. “We need to do a better job of explaining to potential entrepreneurs about this opportunity.”