Ryeco expands to capitalize on demand for packaging

As shoppers continue to seek out packaged produce, Philadelphia-based Ryeco supports customers by offering more in this area. “With labor and supply chain issues, the prepackaged food business is increasing and will continue doing so,” said Filindo Colace, vice president of operations for Ryeco. “Finding good labor will continue to be difficult. Supply chain constraints will continue to be challenging. We see retailers, foodservice and consumers looking for more prepackaged foods and produce.”

To meet this demand, Ryeco is planning an expansion of its recently purchased 30,000 square-foot warehouse in South Philadelphia. “This facility supports our Philly market facility and operations given that we have a full line of products,” said Colace. “The expansion will enable us to hold an additionally 100 loads of product. We need the extra space because of our import, cross-docking and re-pack programs.”

Ryeco’s import program requires the company to manage significant quantities of product coming off the ship. “When the stuff comes in it requires a lot more space,” said Colace. “The extra space in our expanded facility will really support the areas in which we’re growing.”

Colace explained Ryeco’s vision to use the additional warehouse space to also continue expanding services to special products and repacking. “We have about 35 people in our repack facility right now and we look forward to expanding the repack operation,” he said. “We’re doing this to be able to meet all the special needs of our customers throughout the entire mid-Atlantic region. We will be packing specific items for specific customers with the option of branding, creating brand identity and loyalty for customers.”

The company also offers advantages in delivery, location and selection. “The fact that we have a full line of inventory and 22 trucks on the road to serve our customers seven days a week creates a service level that exceeds many of our competitors,” said Colace. “One big advantage especially for our shippers is our geographic location. Our trucks can get from Boston to Virginia every day. The amount of people we can reach in a three to four hour drive is unbelievable. Also, our proximity to the ports here in Philadelphia for container ships is a huge advantage.”

The company’s expansion also extends to people. Ryeco last year welcomed the team from G&G Produce on the Philly market into the Ryeco family. “G&G has long had a tremendous tomato program,” said Colace. “We’re happy now to have that program and the G&G team as a part of Ryeco. It’s an item with which we wanted more of a presence in the market, and that’s why our two companies joined forces.”