The New England Produce Center is one of the major terminal markets in the country, serving as a vital distribution point for the region. 

“Come in here and shop for anything you want in fresh produce,” said Peter John Condakes of the Peter Condakes Co. “While the market handles nearly every conventional commodity, organics developed through a different channel and are still often sourced via LTL and direct delivery rather than typical terminal-market distribution. Some buyers place pre-orders on organics through specialists, but it operates differently than conventional volume.”

Working in the Boston area, he said, is wonderful because it has four seasons and a large student population that migrates out in the summer and then new visitors come in to enjoy the mountains, lakes and seashores.

Independent retailers, bodegas, neighborhood grocers and family-run markets all play a significant role in the area’s distribution landscape, with many shopping the New England Produce Center each week to keep products turning quickly and meet customer expectations. That frequent buying rhythm places a premium on dependable supply, consistent quality and strong vendor relationships.

Those are factors that have long defined Community-Suffolk’s role in serving New England buyers.

“The consumer climate has added another layer of complexity, particularly within Boston’s retail and foodservice environment,” said Steven Piazza, president of Community-Suffolk. “Even when broad economic indicators appear stable, consumer sentiment often tells a different story. People are not feeling great about the economy. They can talk numbers that look great, but if people are afraid to spend money — and going out to a restaurant is very expensive — people only have a certain amount of disposable income. You have to present a desirable package and make the consumer feel like they’re getting value for their dollar.”

Condakes has observed a significant change in how customers work with the market. 

“Years ago, mornings were crowded with buyers physically examining merchandise and hand-selecting cases,” he said. “Today, most orders arrive electronically. Most business comes in by phone, fax, email or text, as opposed to people actually coming in and looking at product.”

He finds it disappointing, believing many buyers could benefit from the ability to choose product firsthand, but he acknowledges that priorities have shifted and that customers lean more on their vendors to make those decisions.

Dominic Cavallaro, a salesman for John Cerasuolo Co. a family-owned business that has been at the New England Produce Center since 1972, has also seen big changes.  

“With big chain stores locking in contracts with growers, the wholesale market isn’t what it used to be, and staying competitive can be tough,” Cavallaro said. “But even with all those changes, our marketplace still plays a huge role in the regional supply chain. Our location is key for so many businesses in Boston and all across New England. We even have customers who drive up from New York because they prefer doing business here rather than using their own market. So, while the landscape keeps shifting, the NEPC continues to be a major hub — and we’re proud to be part of what keeps the area supplied and running smoothly.”

Patrick Burke, a senior executive of the Chelsea, MA-based Garden Fresh Salad Co., noted Boston’s culinary culture — rooted in multicultural dining, strong restaurant activity and a growing emphasis on healthy eating — supports steady demand for fresh-cut and value-added produce. 

“There seems to be a diverse number of restaurants and foodservice and people trying to eat healthy in this area,” Burke said. “A mix of restaurants, foodservice operations and health-conscious consumers sustain a thriving regional produce culture.”