John Cerasuolo Co. is steeped in family tradition
John Cerasuolo Co. is steeped in family tradition
John Cerasuolo Co. is a family-owned business proudly operating since 1972 at the New England Produce Center.
“What began with my father later grew to include my grandfather and uncle. Today the tradition continues with my father, myself and my cousin Kara — three generations working side-by-side,” said Dominic Cavallaro, a salesman for the company. “Our business is built around our core commodities — hothouse peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, multiple squash varieties, specialty peppers, corn, eggplant and key western vegetables like lettuce, broccoli and cauliflower. We also run a strong seasonal pumpkin program each fall, which has become a big part of who we are.”
He noted right now, both retail and foodservice customers are looking for consistent quality, reliable supply and fresh product they can count on, and the company is seeing growing interest in specialty items as customers try to offer something different.
Over the past few years, the company has faced a number of changes and it’s adjusted to keep things running smoothly.
“Since COVID, fuel prices have increased significantly, and product availability has become more unpredictable due to weather and other factors,” Cavallaro said. “These challenges sometimes mean higher costs on our end, which can affect pricing for our customers. This is frustrating on both ends, but at this point there is nothing we can do but hope pricing levels off a bit and product becomes more available. We are trying to go with the flow and look for the best product and best pricing.”
Even with the challenges in the market, he noted demand for core items remains steady, and the family-focused approach continues to be a big part of why customers come back.
“Maintaining strong relationships with our growers and supplier partners is absolutely essential to what we do,” Cavallaro said. “Many of the farms and brokers we work with have been by our side for years, and these long-standing partnerships allow us to consistently bring in the best products at the best prices.”
Building relationships like these takes time, communication and trust, and the company is grateful to have developed such dependable partnerships over the years.
“Business in 2025 has been a bit slower than usual, and we’re hopeful things will pick back up,” Cavallaro said. “The world is changing quickly, and rising costs have impacted every part of the industry. We’ve seen frequent product shortages and higher prices across the board, which has created challenges for both us and our customers. Despite this, we continue to work hard to manage these shifts and keep quality and service at the forefront of everything we do.”
After many years with the company, longtime salesman Michael Donohue is retiring, so 2026 will mark a fresh chapter for John Cerasuolo Co.
“While we will certainly miss him, we’re excited for the opportunities ahead,” Cavallaro said. “We’re always working to build new partnerships and grow our business, and we’re hopeful that the new year will bring increased availability, stronger relationships and more competitive pricing for our customers.”
Looking toward 2026, the company sees a lot of opportunity for growth — especially as a family business.
“For John Cerasuolo Co., we plan to continue growing by doing what our family has always done: staying hands-on, staying honest and taking care of the people who rely on us,” Cavallaro said. “There’s room to expand our customer base, strengthen our partnerships with long-time farms and bring in more specialty and seasonal items that help our customers stand out. Being a family business allows us to react quickly, make decisions fast and adapt when the market changes — all the things that really give us an edge.”
