News
Finer (UPDATED COVERAGE, Feb. 8) Longtime Philadelphia produce distributor Al Finer Co. has closed at the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market.
The company ceased operations Jan. 31, said Al Finer, its 79-year-old president. Finer, who co-founded the company in 1965, said the closure does not involve a bankruptcy and that he owes no money to suppliers.
Finer said he’d “had enough” of working on the market and decided to vacate the three market units his company occupied. He continues to sell fruit through Finer Brokerage, whi, from his home in Cheltenham, Pa.
“I’ve had enough of it. That’s all,” Finer said. “It’s too expensive to run the company. I paid everyone and every creditor was taken care of. There’s no bankruptcy.”
Sonny DiCrecchio, the market’s president and chief executive officer, said Finer has been a presence in Philadelphia since fruits and vegetables were sold on Dock Street, the city’s original produce marketplace.
“He had a lot to offer the produce industry,” DiCrecchio said. “ … Sorry to see a company like that go away and disappear. The Al Finer name has been around since Dock Street.”
DiCrecchio said the market’s board is considering three external distributor candidates to take on a long-term market lease in the now vacant Finer space. He said he expects the board to approve a new merchant by March.
Finer began selling produce at eight years old and worked the city’s old Calowhill Street and Dock Street markets.
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Comments (6)
Leave a commentAtomic Torosian
Report AbuseAl Finer , the man, has always been a classy produce veteran. He would always have some words of wisdom for his friends, and was unflappable in working with his customers and his shippers. We salute you and good luck on your new ventures, Atomic
David
Report AbuseI really hate to see one of the good ones leave our industry. He is a true leader and a great friend to many of us within the industry. Best of luck to you. David
Ray Taglialatela
Report AbuseAl has always been a gentleman and a professional. When I was just getting my start
in this business Al and his former partner Bernie Batt taught me lessons that were
invaluable. They weren't worrying about getting sales. They just wanted to help me
learn and develop properly. Al always has had time for me and I'll always appreciate
what he did for me. Good luck and health to a fine man.
John Forry
Report AbuseAl is and will continue to be a great guy. It was like talking to my Father. He's a class act and I wish him a health and happy life.
Antone Zaninovich @ VBZ
Report AbuseAl Finer and Bernie Batt were one of my 1st Jobbers.
They were some of the most honorable and honest people to work with.
I wish Al Fine the best of health and all the luck in the world.
From a devoted supplier and friend.
Antone Zaninovich
V.B. Zaninovich & Sons Inc.
Joe Mercurio
Report Abuse1st class all the way. Good luck with the rest of your life.
Joe Mercurio