Nardella Inc. is in the blue section, units G-4 through G-6, on the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market. The company specializes in fruits from around the world. It handles all stone fruits, citrus, grapes and tropical items. It imports apples, grapes and numerous other products from South America, South Africa and New Zealand, providing its customers with year-round supplies.

A couple of years ago the company entered the ethnic category on the suggestion of one of its sales representatives.

Chuck Zambito, owner of Zambito Produce Sales in West Deptford, NJ, told The Produce News that in mid-April the temperatures in the Northeast took yet another plunge.

“It has been an amazingly brutal winter,” Zambito said on April 15. “It dropped to 28 degrees here last night. The wind was howling and we were getting dusted with more snow. A winter this cold takes a toll on produce movements and sales, and I know that everyone is looking forward to spring and warmer temperatures.”

Tommy Kovacevich, general manager of T.M. Kovacevich-Philadelphia Inc., located on the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market, announced to The Produce News that the company, already one of the larger tenants on the market with its original occupancy of Units A-1 through A-6, was expanding as of May 1 by taking an additional two units.

“We are taking units B-1 and B-2, giving us eight units in total,” said Kovacevich.

T.M. Kovacevich International and T.M. Kovacevich-Philadelphia Inc. are separate entities, but both are owned by George Manos.

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.”