Company viewpoints on New York Produce Show

We asked several company leaders and representatives to weigh in on their experience with the New York Produce Show in years past and the virtual version planned for Dec. 8-11. Here’s what they had to say.

Baldor Specialty Foods, Bronx, N.Y.

“We’ve been primary sponsor in past, with a booth at the bottom of the escalator. I’m just not sure what this year looks like,” said Michael Muzyk, president.

Canyon Sales Co., Bronx, N.Y.

“If it’s virtual, I’m sure I’d pop in. We’ve gone as representative for GPOD in previous years,” said Lou Getzelman Jr., who handles receivers and organizes the transportation for the brokerage firm of GPOD of Idaho potatoes, other potatoes, onions and carrots at Hunts Point Produce Market. His father, Louis Getzelman Sr., took over the company in August 2019.

“We had a table there last year and probably the year before that. It’s always good to see some of the receivers who you don’t deal with as much. You don’t get a chance to have all those people in a room in one shot like that. You get to actually introduce yourself to a shipper.”

He hasn’t been to an online show yet.

Coosemans New York, Bronx, N.Y.

“It was such a crazy year that we haven’t had the resources to participate in the virtual show with a booth, but we may go as attendees to see who’s there and what the new products are. We always love doing that,” said Ray Hernandez, in charge of purchasing at Coosemans at Hunts Point Produce Market.

Crunch Time Apple Growers, Lockport, N.Y.

“This is the first virtual show we will attend, and we chose to do so based on our past relationship with the in-person show, the overall value with the digital show and carry-over through next year’s show,” said Jessica Wells, Crunch Time business manager.

“With New York being the birthplace of both SnapDragon and RubyFrost, as well (as the) only place they are commercially grown, the New York show makes a lot of sense for us in terms of reaching local and regional produce buyers, as well as those that attend from farther away because of the New York City experience.

“Though the virtual show lacks the ability to interact face-to-face with potential buyers and eliminates the opportunity to provide in-person samples, we’re hopeful that the virtual buyer interactions we have will be better quality interactions than in the past without the hustle and rushed nature of the in-person show as factors. The year-long benefit may prove helpful in this way as well.”

FreshDirect, Bronx, N.Y.

“We participate in the New York Produce Show every year, and plan to this year as well,” said Scott Crawford, chief merchandising officer. “We enjoy connecting with our produce community — tasting and experiencing great fresh food together — so, of course, our preference is to attend in person. This year, we’re saddened that we can’t be together given the circumstances but look forward to the show nonetheless.”

Giorgio Fresh Co., Blandon, Pa.

“We first participated in the New York show in 2010 and have had a booth and presence ever since,” said Naba Bakar, director of marketing for GoldenSun Insights, the mushroom company’s marketing firm.

“We have always supported the Northeast market, and the New York show has a great following with great customer interactions. The programs have been very beneficial from a learning perspective. The venue is terrific, especially at the holiday time. Unfortunately, this year, Giorgio is not participating; however, we plan to attend in 2021.”

Nash Produce, Nashville, N.C.

“Our president, Thomas Joyner, along with a few other members of our team, attended the first New York Produce Show to see what the buzz was about and every year since, Nash Produce has been a loyal exhibitor,” said Rebecca Scott, grower accounting and marketing manager.

“The New York Produce Show is a must-attend for us, as there are many current customers that take time out of their busy schedules to stop by our booth for a visit. The show also gives us an excellent opportunity to connect with new faces that are interested in beginning a long-term partnership with us ...This will ultimately be our first virtual show, so we plan to learn with many other attendees.”

Nathel & Nathel, Bronx, N.Y.

Joshua Gatcke of Nathel & Nathel — Gatcke

“We love the New York Produce Show. We go every year and usually have a booth,” said Joshua Gatcke, fruit procurement buyer for the company based at Hunts Point Produce Market.

“It’s going to be different this year, but we’re looking forward to it. Like any show, it gives you a chance to connect with people you do business with in-person. So much of what we do is over the phone. You become like best friends with your customers and suppliers, and often you won’t see them for months and months at a time. It’s a really, really well-executed show as well.”

Company viewpoints on New York Produce Show

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