The Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market, the nation’s only fully enclosed, fully refrigerated wholesale produce marketplace, has space available for lease.
Opened in 2011, the 700,000 square-foot facility boasts a bright shopping concourse that draws people from around the globe to marvel at a wholesale produce market that features easy loading and unloading, cold chain protection, temperature control, safety, security and waste management, according to a news release.
Philadelphia has been a thriving produce scene since its colonial days. Originally situated on Dock Street along the Delaware River, local fruit and vegetable merchants took advantage of their proximity to nearby farms, a densely populated area and easy access in and out of the city, the release said.
Today, the market still reaps the benefits of the facility’s location. Being only minutes from both Interstate 95 and Interstate 76 gives direct access to customers across the mid-Atlantic region, the release said. With access to highways, railways, Philadelphia International Airport, and Philaport, the market is an integral part of the world’s supply chain for fresh fruits and vegetables.
The 17 wholesalers who make up the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market have long-established relationships with growers and customers worldwide, according to the release.
The market is operated by RPCC, a nonprofit cooperative corporation that is owned by wholesale produce companies that have come together to operate under one roof. Most of the companies of the RPCC are family owned and have been in business in Philadelphia for several generations, the release said.
Becoming part of RPCC and selling products at the facility is a long-term commitment; once part of the cooperative, it’s not just renting space — it’s also becoming a shareholder, the release said.
Shareholders will have a voice in how the overall Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market is operated and are eligible to be elected to the board of directors.
Located at 6700 Essington Ave. in Philadelphia, three units are available and are offered together or separately and include the following:
• 4,050 square feet per unit, which includes front sales and rear utility areas.
• There are a total of 630 pallet positions in all three units: D9 (198), D8 (216) and D7 (216).
• Temperature is controlled to specifications (33-55 F).
• Second-floor office space with each unit with elevator and stairway access.
• Dedicated loading dock doors and access to common dock doors to service customers.
• 24 hours a day access.
• On-site security, waste disposal and building maintenance.
The units and their accompanying shares will be offered via online auction on Sept. 16, 2024. To participate, interested parties must submit their information and documentation through the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market’s website. Bidders will be prequalified by the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market board to participate in the auction.
