Community-Suffolk began more than eight decades ago in the Boston area, incorporating in 1962. During that time it has supplied produce to all of New England, New York, the Canadian Maritimes and Quebec. 

It was about 18 months ago when it moved completely into the Chelsea Market, which has worked out extremely well for the company.

Operating out of the New England Produce Center, S. Strock & Co., continues its long legacy in the produce business, which dates back to 1897 when the market was originally located at the Faneuil Hall in Boston. The company received its PACA license in 1930, making it the oldest active license in the industry.

Back then, company founder Samuel Strock had a small operation, selling fruit and vegetables to those in Boston, but the company has grown into one of the largest and most respected firms supplying the New England region. 

As a thriving operator on the New England Produce Center, Garden Fresh Salad Co., has seen a large return of business in 2022, as the impact of the pandemic is thankfully slipping away.

“Things have definitely been more back to normal after what we all experienced in 2020 and 2021,” said Patrick Burke, owner of the company. “The last few months have been crazy busy with the lettuce and romaine items. So, while it’s been better, you get a period like the two months we’ve just had where everything is so sky-high, it puts a dent into what you’re doing.”

Continental Fresh, operating in Miami, specializes in tropical imports from Latin America, servicing retail, foodservice, wholesale and process customers throughout the United States.

Gumz Farms, led by brothers Roderick and Richard Gumz, grows red and yellow potatoes, grows and sources yellow, white, red and sweet onions and packs and ships both commodities year-round.

Currently, Gumz Farms handles nearly 20 percent of the fresh-market red potatoes in the state and grows approximately 40 percent of Wisconsin onions, with more than 1,000 acres of farmland. 

Nickey Gregory Co., operating in the Atlanta State Farmer’s Market, continues to invest in its own fresh-cut and processing division, Family Fresh Foods, knowing its customers are looking for more safe, ready-to-eat produce.