For generations, E. Armata Inc. has been a fixture at the Hunts Point Terminal Market, serving customers throughout the New York metropolitan area with a full line of fresh produce. In 2026, the company continues relying on the same principles that have guided it for decades: strong relationships, customer service and the ability to adapt to changing market conditions.

“It’s been a tough year because volume has been very inconsistent,” said Michael Armata, who is in charge of berries and specialties at E. Armata Inc. “We’ve been working closely with customers to help them move product, whether that means trying a new item or finding different ways to promote an existing one.”

Located at Hunts Point, E. Armata serves one of the most diverse customer bases in the country. From small independent operators purchasing a few cases at a time to large chain retailers buying truckloads, the company sees virtually every segment of the produce business.

“We’re right in the hub of New York,” Armata said. “We can sell to a peddler buying five or 10 cases a day or a chain store buyer purchasing a load a day. I don’t think there’s another customer base quite like this anywhere in the country.”

That diversity provides the company with a unique perspective on buying habits throughout the region.

While New York is often associated with upscale food markets and premium offerings, Armata noted that affordability remains a major concern for many consumers.

“A lot of people think only about the high-end markets in Manhattan, but the reality is that many customers are looking for value,” Armata said. “With the cost of living so high, retailers want some lower-priced items that can attract shoppers and help offset some of the more expensive products.”

As a full-line distributor, E. Armata handles a wide range of commodities, making it difficult to identify a single standout category. However, several items continue posting consistent gains.

“Tray-pack Persian cucumbers and grape tomatoes have been performing very well for us year after year,” Armata said. “We’ve expanded our business in both categories over the last several years.”

The company’s success in those items reflects broader consumer trends favoring convenience, healthy snacking and products that fit easily into  everyday meals.

E. Armata is also navigating a business environment marked by rising costs and competitive pressures.

“Labor, fuel and freight costs are all up,” Armata said. “At the same time, we’re competing with other firms for many of the same customers, so every expense has to be monitored carefully.”

Small increases in operating costs can quickly add up in a high-volume distribution business, making efficiency increasingly important.

Despite those challenges, Armata believes the company’s long-standing relationships continue providing a competitive advantage.

“We keep changing and adapting every day,” Armata said. “The key is understanding what our customers need and building strong partnerships with them.”

That relationship-driven philosophy has been central to E. Armata’s success for generations and remains a guiding principle today.

“We take a lot of pride in the relationships we’ve built over the years,” Armata said. “We want to continue doing what we do best. That means keeping our customer relationships strong and being the best distribution partner we can be for our shippers.”

For Armata, the future of both the company and Hunts Point is rooted in the same qualities that helped establish the market’s reputation decades ago.

“One of the best things about Hunts Point is the history and the relationships that have developed over the years,” Armata said. “That’s what makes this market special.”