PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market’s 26 distributors will host allied industry for an export seminar on November 16, 2011.
The invitation-only event includes ocean freight companies and a score of other such international trade service providers and business and political leaders to discuss with Philadelphia’s produce wholesalers the opportunities and challenges involved in developing a fresh fruit and vegetable export program from this market. The 700,000 square-foot terminal market opened on June 5, 2011.
Sonny DiCrecchio, the president and CEO of the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market, indicated Nov. 1: “Our market’s cold-chain protection and other modern features give our merchants the opportunity to capitalize on international trade opportunities. The world’s greatest produce market is located a few miles from the world’s greatest seaport, which is here along the Delaware River. With the many steamship lines that deliver produce to metro-Philly, our merchants have a very significant opportunity to take advantage of economical ocean backhaul rates to serve fresh, high quality produce to customers across large parts of the world.
“Because our merchants carry a truly full line of fresh produce, they collectively can fill virtually any need – of a straight or mixed container-load – to many international buyers. An export program gives our shipper-suppliers yet another reason to trade with our merchants,” Mr. DiCrecchio continued. “Of course this development won’t be simple but there is such a clear opportunity that we are launching discussions with allied trade on Nov. 16 to clarify next-steps. We will identify challenges and new markets and move ahead from there.”
Louis Penza, chairman of the market’s board of directors added: “With the draw of this ultra-modern, clean terminal market, Philadelphia distributors enjoy increased regional business and we remain focused on getting the word out to new customers within 500 miles on the advantages of shopping in Philadelphia. But, we are also excited about doing business in an entirely new realm. Having this facility gives Philadelphia merchants very broad and exciting opportunities in new business development.”
For more information contact: Tad Thompso – Business Development Manager – Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market – www.pwpm.net tad@pwpm.net (215) 336-3003
Source: Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market