BRS Produce sees spring momentum building in Philadelphia market
BRS Produce sees spring momentum building in Philadelphia market
After a slow start to 2006, BRS Produce is beginning to see business pick up as the spring season progresses, with optimism growing that the months ahead will bring stronger movement across the board.
“We’re definitely starting to see things pick up recently,” said Rick Milavsky, president of BRS Produce.
The Philadelphia-based company, a full-line produce house operating out of the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market, has long been known for its ability to source product from across the United States and around the world. Specializing in tropical produce, mushrooms and tomatoes, BRS Produce also carries a wide assortment of fruits and vegetables to meet the needs of its diverse customer base.
That customer base tends to remain consistent year after year, but the spring season brings some predictable changes in demand patterns.
“Just a lot of the same customers we have, a lot of the same purveyors and bigger companies,” Milavsky said. “This time of year, a lot of the farmers markets are popping up, so we’ll see more of those seasonal customers coming around.”
Serving those customers effectively comes down to maintaining variety and being responsive to changing needs.
“The key is just trying to have a nice variety of stuff,” Milavsky said. “If customers ask for something different, we try to get it for them or direct them to where they can find it.”
Operating out of the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market has been a major advantage for the company since it became one of the original tenants when the facility opened in 2011. The modern, climate-controlled building allows BRS Produce to maintain product quality throughout the handling process.
“The market is known for maintaining the cold chain, and that’s very important for product quality,” Milavsky said.
Beyond infrastructure, the market also fosters a sense of cooperation among merchants, which benefits both businesses and customers.
“Within the market, there’s good camaraderie,” Milavsky said. “If you’re short on something, you can usually work with other companies. Everybody pretty much works together.”
Like many companies in the industry, BRS Produce is navigating rising costs that are impacting nearly every aspect of the business.
“Truck rates are higher, and it’s really everything,” Milavsky said. “The cost of goods, growing costs, fertilizer, fuel—it all adds up.”
Despite those challenges, the company continues to rely on its experienced team to keep operations running smoothly and maintain strong customer relationships.
“My other salesmen do a good job bringing in product, moving it and selling it,” Milavsky said.
That team-first approach has been a cornerstone of the company’s longevity and success, as it works to meet customer expectations while adapting to changing market conditions.
Looking ahead, Milavsky is leaving room for the next generation to shape the company’s future direction.
“I’m going to leave it up to them, the next generation, to expand if they want to,” he said.
As the spring season gains momentum and summer approaches, BRS Produce is focused on building on its steady customer base, maintaining a strong product mix and taking advantage of increased seasonal demand.
With decades of experience, a reliable team and a strategic location within one of the country’s premier terminal markets, the company is built for long-term success. That foundation allows it to navigate the challenges of today’s produce industry while continuing to serve customers throughout the Mid-Atlantic and beyond.
