Rick Milavsky, president, secretary and treasurer of BRS Produce Co. Inc., told The Produce News that the company continues to handle a full line of fruits and vegetables, and it places a particularly strong focus on tomatoes, mushrooms and a tropical line that is growing strongly. Milavsky works along with his father, Ron Milavsky, who serves as the company’s vice president. BRS was among the original tenants at the new Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market when it opened in June 2011. It occupies units D-2, D-3 and D-4.

MVP Logistics LLC, located on the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market, opened its doors in 2013. It is headed by Managing Partner Tom Aupperle, a highly experienced logistics’ expert.

“Our first full year went very well,” said Aupperle. “Our forte is bringing loads out of all major growing areas, including from all corners of the U.S. and product that is produced in Mexico that comes in through Texas and Arizona.”

“We survived a tough winter, and we’re looking forward to having a good 2014,” said Chip Wiechec, owner and president of Hunter Bros. Inc. “Hopefully people will want to buy fresh produce as spring unfolds. We also hope that there won’t be strong resistance to prices. Between the increased transportation costs and produce shortages in California, prices are going be higher. But we’re also hopeful that the local growers, despite the cold winter that extended into part of spring, will have a great year. That will help us to all have a great year.”

Todd Penza, sales representative for Pinto Bros. Inc., located on the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market, told The Produce News that Alex Penza, the son of Fred Penza, one of the company’s three principles, joined the company last year. The 23-year-old is working in the sales department.

“Alex joining us makes three of the third generation that now work in the business,” said Penza. “My father, Louis Penza, is another principle, and the third principle is Buddy Lombardo. His son, Michael, also works for the company.”

Mark Levin, chief executive officer of M. Levin & Co., located on the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market, stands more strongly than ever on the words he said to The Produce News shortly after the new facility opened for business in June 2011: “If I were a box of produce, the PWPM is where I’d want to be.”

Since moving to the new building the company has diversified, especially in its deliveries.

“Locally grown programs are a strong focus for our company,” Jack Collotti, president of Collotti & Sons, located on the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market told The Produce News. “Our company has operated in Philadelphia for over 50 years, and during our history — in addition to our many other programs — we have always been committed to local produce. We support locally grown initiatives in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and other regions we source from that have programs in place.”