BRS Produce staying optimistic about year ahead
BRS Produce staying optimistic about year ahead
BRS Produce is a full line produce house that works on the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market, handling items from every growing region in the U.S. and throughout the world.
While the company specializes in tropical produce, mushrooms and tomatoes from all growing regions, BRS Produce also deals with a wide variety of produce to fit any customers’ needs.
The company was one of the original tenants at the new Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market when it opened in June 2011 and has occupied units D-2 and D-3 since that time.
As the calendar flipped to May, the company was having a “modest” year, according to Rick Milavsky, president of the company, who has worked with BRS Produce for most of his life.
“There’s nothing new to tell really; it’s been a little slow so far this year,” he said. “I’m not sure of the reasons, but I think a lot of my customers are experiencing the same thing.”
The good thing is that this time of year, with summer approaching, business normally picks up.
“I’m being optimistic,” Milavsky said. “I’m sure things will start picking up as we head to June and July.”
Working in Philadelphia, something he has done the entirely of his career, has always been a boon to the company.
“There’s a lot of good restaurants in the city and places to eat, and it’s a youth-based city,” Milavsky said. “There’s a lot of young people working in the city and that attributes to our business here. I think they are more into healthy eating and more conscious of what they’re eating and making the time and effort to get good food.”
With the two units on the market, Milavsky noted that the company isn’t huge and works to keep its customers happy and have a full selection of what they’re looking for. Being in the market helps.
“The facility is fully climate-controlled so we don’t break the cold chain unloading stuff and getting it put away,” he said. “We have really good management here. There’s a good market manager, a good staff under him and as far as I can see, the employees from the pay gate to security are all doing a really nice job. It’s all positive stuff.”
