M. D’Ottavio Produce Inc. in Vineland, NJ, is making good use of the new cooler it installed over a year ago. Mike D’Ottavio, owner and president, told The Produce News that it holds 170 pallets and enables the company to maintain a constant cold chain.

“Our goal is to keep it as cool as possible,” said D’Ottavio.”It has enabled us to increase our sales by maintaining a wide range of multi variety packs.”

The company added an additional 65 acres of blueberries in 2014 that will be in production this June. D’Ottavio said the blueberry crop is a little lighter than last year, but the quality is outstanding.

The company also offers combination packs of mint and cilantro, peppers and cucumbers and many others. It can, D’Ottavio explained, mix any specialty pack customers want, and any way they want them.

The company’s diverse product line includes imports. It handles mangos, limes, radishes, leeks, cucumbers and several other items from Honduras, Ecuador, Guatemala and Brazil.

“We started our import program three years ago, and it has continually increased,” said D’Ottavio. “These products keep our customers supplied throughout the winter months, and they keep their attention and support until the New Jersey deal starts up.”

D’Ottavio said all signs point to a good New Jersey produce season on all commodities this year.

Following a cold winter, spring brought welcomed warm days and sunshine.

“I think we’re in store for a great season,” he said. “Our New Jersey field production has been increased by about 15 percent this year, and volumes will be up on all products.”

The company looks forward to the start of New Jersey blueberries, peaches and nectarines every year, and they are all a big deal for M. D’Ottavio Produce. Blueberries were scheduled to start by June 10. Peaches and nectarines start in July.

It grows more than 35 produce items on its farming operation in Vineland, and reaps two to three crops from spring through fall each year.

“We also have grower-partners in the state that produce and pack just for our company,” said D’Ottavio. “When New Jersey wraps up, we begin sourcing from across the country and importing.”

M. D’Ottavio Produce continues to be operated as a tight-knit family and friend operation. And they look forward to the day that D’Ottavio’s son, Anthony, joins the company full time.

“Anthony has one more year of high school and then on to college,” said D’Ottavio. “For now, he works with us during the summer months and other times when he’s not in school.”