Philadelphia economy, produce movement reported robust

Buoyed by hosting recent important events, Philadelphia's produce economy remains strong.

Wholesalers selling and distributing fresh produce in the City of Liberty report favorable movement, helped in part by a couple of major events.

In September 2015, Pope Francis visited the City of Brotherly Love and in late July, the Democratic National Convention which met in the city's convention center which is blocks from the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market.

"Things are on the upswing and the city's overall economy is strong," said Christine Hofmann, the market's marketing coordinator. "With the DNC, it seemed like the city was really buzzing. I think there's a lot of hope. Philadelphia has really come into its own. We're starting to be recognized as a world-class city. Things are getting better and better."

The Sept. 26-27, 2015 papal visit and the July 25-28 Democrat convention, as well as a large Fourth of July independence celebration, are among the events that have contributed to the city's economy, said Mark Levin, co-owner of Philadelphia's M. Levin & Co Inc.

"There have been a lot of things that have boosted Philadelphia's economy," he said. "Construction and hiring are doing well. For the produce economy, it's been nothing to brag about but has been steady. I will settle for steady."

Though favorable to the city, the papal visit and the DNC created logistical nightmares, wholesalers report.

Because numerous city streets were closed during the pope's visit, many of the restaurants and smaller retailers suffered, said Chip Wiechec, president of Hunter Bros. Inc., in Philadelphia.

Overall, produce movement remains strong, he said.

"Business in general at the market has been at least steady," Wiechec said. "Our package volume is up, which is a good sign."

The DNC was a big event and the region's overall economy remains sound, said Tom Curtis, president of Tom Curtis Produce Inc., Philadelphia.

"Produce movement has been pretty good," he said. "Movement is doing well. I think everyone is making money."

Philadelphia remains a top tourist destination and neighborhoods and the restaurants that serve them are morphing into new identities, said Mike Maxwell, president of Philadelphia-based Procacci Bros Sales Corp.

"Downtown Philadelphia is doing well and neighborhoods are changing," he said. "Different sections of the city are turning around and many are moving in from the suburbs. This is a vibrant city and produce movement is doing well."

Martin Roth, secretary-treasurer of Coosemans Philadelphia Inc., also sees city growth.

"Every time I turn around in New Jersey and Philadelphia, they're ripping something down and building something new," he said. "Produce sales are up."

Ron Carkoski, president and CEO of Ephrata, Pa.-based Four Seasons Produce Inc., said bankers he has talked report strong economic movement across many business segments.

"Business overall in the Northeast is doing well," he said. "The whole area is really growing and this is a strong growth region. People are working and it's a significant change from where it was three to four years ago."

Produce demand is increasing, said Daniel Vena, director of sales and buying for of John Vena Inc., Philadelphia.

"Demand is up in all segments of our business and more product is flowing through the market than ever before," he said. "We are seeing exploding demand for specialty items in both retail and foodservice as well as in new and emerging market segments."