Dandrea Produce, headquartered in Vineland, NJ, is holding firmly to a vertically integrated business model that has proven successful for the company.

Frank Dandrea, president of the company, told The Produce News that its vertical integration model starts with seed and follows its products’ path all the way to the counter.

“We partner with only top-notch growers,” said Dandrea. “We plan, finance, and market the product. Some of our programs include start- and end-date pricing.

“By effectively integrating with our grower and retail partners, we can all effectively plan the coming season,” he continued. “Some of our programs are fixed, and others fluctuate weekly, but we always provide what our customers want.”

Joe Twomey, Upert Nelson, Clarence Miller and Izzy Marin-Gomez of Dandrea Produce with fresh New Jersey-grown red leaf lettuce, Romaine lettuce and green leaf lettuce. In addition, Dandrea appoints quality control personnel to monitor growth and conditions.

“We now have about 2,500-acres under contract,” explained Dandrea. “And we are expanding the model internationally, and happily continue this endeavor.”

Since its founding, Dandrea Produce has remained bullish on locally grown New Jersey produce, and Dandrea said that the trend today is stronger than ever. He noted that as of mid-May, all local produce was coming on nicely.

“We ran a few days late because of the very cold winter,” he explained. “But long freezes tend to sterilize the ground. Even though we’re running a little late, the produce is exceptional in quality and volumes.”

Dandrea Produce started its New Jersey spring season with asparagus, which was quickly followed by its full wet vegetable line. The company offers a wide selection of packs and sizes. It’s packaging abilities have improved even more this season with a new bagging machine.

“We sent our team to Fruit Logistica in Berlin in February to look at available new packaging equipment and decided on one from Italy,” said Dandrea. “It has the aptitude to do a myriad of items, such as three squash, four apples, lettuces and various greens. It seals so that hands cannot be in direct contact with the produce. Our ‘Dandrea’ label is then applied on the seal.”

The new packaging abilities, Dandrea explained, is in response to retailers’ requests, who feel that sealed produce adds an extra layer of food safety.

A multi-generational business, Dandrea has been operated by family members since it began in 1917. Besides Dandrea, company executives include his brothers: Steven, vice president of sales, and Ron, secretary-treasurer.

Two members of the fourth generation of the Dandrea family — Jana and Peter Dandrea — also joined the company in recent years. Now two additional family members are joining the company as well.

“Lauren Dandrea, Steve’s daughter, joined us earlier this year,” said Dandrea. “She is working on our import programs with the responsibility of setting up, managing and procuring. We’re now in 20 countries and growing.”

Adam Dandrea, Ron’s son, graduated this spring from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. He started working in the sales department the week of May 18.

“We’re very happy to have four fourth-generation family members now on board,” said Dandrea. “We’re growing at a good clip, and the future looks bright.”