Locally grown programs have always been a strong focus for Collotti & Sons Inc., located at the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market.

The company has operated in Philadelphia for over 50 years, and during its history it has always been committed to local produce.

The company is also well known for its full line of western and eastern fruits and vegetables. And it carries all of the top brand names in the industry. It specializes in all categories of berries produced both domestically and offshore.

“We also support growers in Canada and in Mexico,” Jack Collotti, president of company, told The Produce News. “Our mission and our goal is to always supply our customers with the best quality product regardless of where it is grown. We’re truly a full-line house with just about every category, but we’re just as strongly involved with locally grown initiatives in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware and other regions that have programs in place.”

Collotti & Sons was one of the original occupants of the new PWPM when it opened in June 2011. It occupies units I-7 and I-8. Collotti and his brothers, Vince and Chris, are the second generation to operate the business. The third generation is represented by the sons of the three brothers. Jack Collotti’s two sons, John, age 28, and Brian, age 26, and Vince’s sons, Vince Jr. and Jimmy, also work for the company.

Despite fuel costs being down this year, Collotti said trucking rates continue to be high.

“Demand for truckers is strong, and it too is a supply and demand business,” he said. “They face stringent rules and regulations, and they all have fees attached. Truckers have to make a living too, and when they can’t they have to turn elsewhere to survive.”

This is why, he added, that everyone benefits by handling as much regional produce as possible.

“By sourcing from surrounding states during their seasons we are able to provide the freshest possible produce with the least food miles and consequent lowest prices to our customers,” said Collotti.

Collotti & Sons distributes throughout the northeast and as far south as Virginia. Its customers include wholesalers, retailers, foodservice operators and industrial operations. Its primary focus is on customer service and delivering high-quality produce.

“Service is the primary goal in our company,” Collotti stressed. “There is plenty of competition in the produce industry, and service is the one place where we can be outstanding. Providing the best possible quality is imperative, of course, but we also bend over backwards for our customers.”