John Cerasuolo Co. sticks with what it knows best
John Cerasuolo Co. sticks with what it knows best
It’s no surprise to the fresh produce industry that when there is turmoil in the country, and even in the world, it affects consumers’ spending habits and food choices.
Skip Cavallaro, Jr., owner and president of John Cerasuolo Co., located at the New England Produce Center, told The Produce News that the turmoil around the world this year has people in a caution mode.
“All of the turmoil in the world, such as terrorism, has created a bit of a tailspin in the country,” said Cavallaro. “Things just haven’t been right in the past year and this disrupts lifestyles. People don’t eat out as much and in general, don’t enjoy themselves as much.”
Standing: Skip Cavallaro III, general manager of John Cerasuola Co. and Michael Ferro, sales representative; sitting: Skip Cavallaro Jr., president of the company.Today’s higher fresh fruit and vegetable prices aren’t helping the situation. Cavallaro said that in years past fresh produce was much less expensive, so people bought more freely. But today they buy only what they need, and at the best possible prices.
The company suffered a business and personal loss early in 2015 when Cavallaro’s brother, Ken Cavallaro, who served as company treasurer, died suddenly.
Skip Cavallaro purchased the company in 1972 from its original owners who had been in business for over 80 years. It has been on the New England Produce Center in Chelsea, MA, since it opened in 1969. Skip’s son, Domenic (Skip) Cavallaro III, joined the company about a decade ago and now serves as its general manager.
“Michael Ferro joined us about seven months ago,” said Cavalloro. “He and my son grew up together, so he’s like family to us. He will definitely make the grade because he has the right temperament to work the floor.”
John Cerasuolo is unique in the industry in that it handles a full line of staple vegetables that people need regardless of whether they are eating at home or at a restaurant. The company does not handle fruit.
The company’s customers are retail chains and independent retailers and foodservice operators. It ships throughout New England.
“Things are pretty much the same as far as our line of produce, customer base and distribution range,” said Cavallaro. “We tend to stick to what we know best, and that methodology has always worked for us.”
