Tony Vitrano, president of Tony Vitrano Co., located on the Maryland Wholesale Produce Market in Jessup, MD, told The Produce News that the company has always handled western fruits and vegetables, but it is now sourcing from growing regions around the country, in addition to western areas.

“The local demand is driving this change somewhat, but also behind it are the regional growers who are producing more commodities today,” said Mr. Vitrano. “The term ‘local’ is sometimes construed as being within a specific distance from where it’s distributed. But because growing seasons are regional, it is how we refer to locally grown.”

He added that customer demand is driving these changes today, and with fuel prices high and consumers more interested in where their food comes from, the demand for local and regional produce is higher than ever.”

Tony Vitrano Co. handles a full line of fruits and vegetables, with the exception of bananas.

August is a little quiet in the produce business with ongoing vacations and parents getting their kids ready for the upcoming school year, but Mr. Vitrano says the company stays steadily busy.

“It’s just a typically quiet period in the industry, but as soon as school starts, things flip around quickly and we’re back to moving product fast and steady,” he said.

He also noted that the makeup of the MWPM has changed over the years, but it is still leased to capacity. Ongoing physical improvements on the market property, such as utility and security upgrades, help to keep it updated at manageable costs.

He also said that the terminal market management does a good job of keeping up with things.

“Some businesses have closed because people have retired or because of financial problems, and others have moved off of the market to their own facilities,” said Mr. Vitrano. “They have consolidated or don’t feel they need the walking traffic that the terminal market draws. But any space on the market that becomes vacant is quickly leased.

“We’ve seen Asian and Hispanic companies open on the market to cater to the growing populations of both ethnic communities in the region,” he continued. “On the retail side, many Asians and Hispanics continue to open independent stores, while mainstream grocery stores tend to offer more Hispanic items.”

Tony Vitrano also makes continual upgrades to its numerous units in building B on the terminal market, and the company adds new trucks to its fleet as needed.

Mr. Vitrano’s grandfather, also named Tony Vitrano, founded the company in 1932. In 1975, it relocated to the then newly opened MWPM. Mr. Vitrano’s father, Justin Vitrano, and his uncle, Norman Vitrano, continue to be somewhat involved in the business operations.

“They both come in several days a week to help out,” said Mr. Vitrano. “Several other family members are involved in the business, including my brother, Joe, and numerous cousins.”

Mr. Vitrano added that, “knock on wood,” there haven’t had any weather related issues that have caused product flows this season.

“Things are running pretty smoothly,” he said. “But we don’t take a moment of smooth sailing for granted because we know that things could change down the road.”