In late April, Jerry Porricelli Produce, located on the Hunts Point Terminal Market, was moving it entire line of produce strongly.

The company handles about 70 items, mostly vegetables, herbs and tomatoes. It services a mix of retailers and foodservice operators throughout the tri-state area.

Vice President, Ciro Porricelli, told The Produce News that eastern crops were in transition.

“Florida is wrapping up, but states further north are running behind,” he pointed out. “New Jersey is running behind by 10 days to two weeks because of the cold winter, so we are feeling gaps currently, especially on leafy greens. When things are tight prices go up. But when things start coming on strongly, and especially when they come in on top of each other, prices fall quickly. You don’t always make up for the difference.”

Last year Jerry Porricelli celebrated its 15th anniversary, but the family has been in the business for several generations.

Porricelli named the business after his grandfather. His father, Angelo, now age 91, is still somewhat active in the business. His mother, Carmela, is 95, and is as active as her husband of 65 years.

Porricelli is joined in overseeing the business by his sister, Angela Porricelli, who handles the bookkeeping and administrative tasks.

Another sister, Jullie Ann, handles billing and accounts receivables.

A couple of years ago, Porricelli’s son, Christopher, relocated to Altamonte Springs, FL, where he started CAP Trucking LLC. It runs loads north, and so he sees his family about once a week.

“His business is going very well,” said Porricelli. “He has put a second truck on the road, and he’s enjoying it very much.’

Porricelli also sings the praises of his long and loyal staff, of whom he said, “Without we would not be where we are today. We function just like a baseball team where every player has a position. On our team every person is a winner.”

A new staff member has also been added to the team. Steve Neggie joined the company last spring as its new foreman.

“Steve is doing an outstanding job for us,” Porricelli noted.

Two of Porricelli’s growers; Pontano Farms in Boynton Beach, FL, and J&D Farms in Edinburg, TX, are now GAP certified.

He explained that this is important especially for J&D Farms because it has a lot of major chain business in the United States and in Canada who demand certification.

The company does a strong business in sweet potatoes. Porricelli said that volumes were still good in April, but much of what happens going forward depends on storage conditions.

“They just don’t know about condition until they open the storage bins, so it’s always a wait and see issue,” he said.