Hunts Point in the Spotlight: On the cusp

One of New York’s oldest institutions, Hunts Point Produce Market in the Bronx is at the heart of the city’s massive produce trade, feeding more than 30 million people in the broader region alone.

The market, which employs thousands, is slated to undergo a massive renovation in late 2026 with an estimated budget of almost $500 million. The aim is to reduce congestion, provide more space and refrigerated warehousing, and ramp up sustainability efforts.

From growers, wholesalers, and distributors to processors, restaurants, and grocery retailers—all rely on Hunts Point to support their businesses and serve their customers.

With costs continuing to climb, the demand for efficiency has never been greater, but the task, of course, is monumental and easier said than done.

Hustling and Bustling

Despite the changes ahead, there’s no staunching the flow of every day unloading, loading, and sales. 

“Business has been steady, but customers are definitely more cautious,” shares Lou Getzelman, vice president of Canyon Sales Company, LLC BB #:361579 on the market.

“Nobody wants to carry too much inventory, especially when markets can change quickly,” he adds. “Costs are still a major challenge: freight, labor, packaging, and growing costs are all high, while customers are still trying to keep their own prices competitive. 

“Supply has also been difficult at times, especially during regional transitions. For us, availability, quality, and delivered cost have had a bigger day-to-day impact than tariffs or geopolitical issues.”

Charlie DiMaggio, managing member of Fres Co, LLC BB #:262433 voices similar thoughts. “Business has been good, but I’d say it’s been challenging every single day.

“The biggest surprise has probably been how resilient demand has remained despite all the uncertainty. Customers are buying carefully and watching every dollar, but fresh produce is still something people want and need.”

Gabriela D’Arrigo, vice president of marketing and communications for D’Arrigo New York BB #:103639, reports minimal disruptions as well. “Business is normal for this time of year,” she says.

“In our business there are always surprises, to the point where they aren’t surprising.

“Our top sellers are consistent year in and year out. In the New York marketplace, consistency trumps trend. Customers know what they’re getting and that’s where the true value is.”

“You have to make decisions quickly because yesterday’s market can be completely different from today’s.”

Change-Up Tactics

Although exacerbated by multiple circumstances, pricing, availability, quality, and logistics are always a concern for those who buy and sell fresh produce. Adapting and being able to pivot remain prime advantages.

“We pay attention to tariffs and global issues, but our product decisions are still mostly based on quality, availability, price, and what our customers need,” observes Getzelman.

“The key is being flexible. If one region becomes too expensive or quality becomes an issue, you have to be able to adjust quickly.”

DiMaggio puts it this way: “Fuel is expensive. Labor is expensive. Insurance is expensive. Packaging costs more. Transportation costs more. Then you throw tariffs, weather, and world events into the mix, and it keeps everyone guessing.

“You have to make decisions quickly because yesterday’s market can be completely different from today’s,” he says, but all of the above haven’t curtailed sourcing or selling certain products.

“We haven’t stopped carrying items because of tariffs, but we’ve become much more flexible about where we buy from. Having multiple sourcing options has become more important than ever.

“We haven’t stopped carrying items because of tariffs, but we’ve become much more flexible about where we buy from.”

“You can’t rely on one region or one country anymore—diversification has become part of staying competitive.”

Andy Smith, director of procurement for Katzman Produce BB #:103742, agrees. “Ultimately, these challenges reinforce the value of being a reliable partner, one that can react quickly, find solutions, and continue delivering the service and supply our customers depend on.”

This is reflected by recent changes at Katzman. “Over the past few years, Katzman has expanded,” says Stefanie Katzman, CEO.

“Today, our family of companies has capabilities throughout the supply chain, including wholesaler Katzman Produce, Katzman Distribution, fruit importer Global Harvest, grower-shipper Mama Mia, and broker Top Katz.

“Together, our companies give our customers greater access to quality product, consistency, market knowledge, and reliable service throughout New York City, the tristate area, and the Northeast.”

Loads and Roads

When it comes to transporting perishables to and from the market, dependable logistics are a must, but the pressures continue.

“Business on the whole has been better than anticipated,” notes Paul Kazan, president of Target Interstate Systems, Inc. BB #:109648, located at the market. This is despite the loss of “nondomiciled” drivers as well as those not proficient enough in English, or caught in ICE crackdowns, who helped fill capacity.   

“The toughest part is finding carriers,” he says, “then negotiating a reasonable rate.” Both are contingent on available drivers. There aren’t enough people willing to drive cross-country and be away from their homes and family for up to two weeks at a time.

“The capacity crunch will affect first and foremost the need for ‘team’ operations on loads. When trucking companies are short on drivers, and they still have trucks empty due to a lack of drivers, they’ll split up the teams to cover the idle assets.”

“Yields are good right now—price on the other hand, is not!”

From the Grower Side

For grower-shipper Lynn-Ette & Sons, Inc. BB #:129912 in Kent, NY, the good news is fewer extreme weather incidents. “A little bit of rain has affected us,” notes Laurie Gregori, sales manager.

Eric Hansen, in sales for Hansen Farms, LLC BB #:125237 in Stanley, NY, mentions rain as well. “Weather was wet in early spring so we were a bit delayed in planting. Since then, however, the weather has been pretty favorable.

“Yields are good right now—price on the other hand, is not! We don’t overplant, that’s for sure. We’ll bump up acres based on customers’ needs and contracts. We made around a 5 percent bump in acres this year.”

Even with healthy plants and solid yields, the unexpected can still upend a season: Hansen brings up the recent safety outbreak traced to lettuce. “Demand seems to be down across most fresh produce likely related to the Cyclospora outbreak. It’s been a struggle getting all our product moved.”

Worse yet are the unrelentingly high costs. “All our inputs are up,” Hansen adds. “Freight is as short as I can ever recall and the price of cabbage is in the tank. I’m not trying to be doom and gloom but wanted to give you the reality right now.”

Consumers and Purchasing

As pricing climbs, consumers are making do with less in some categories and looking for deals. They’re still willing to pay more for some items, like those providing convenience, and for younger shoppers, organics.

“Organic sales are trending upwards, especially with younger generations. In response to this growing demand, we’re seeing retailers dedicate more space in their stores,” shares Joe Eisinger, organics buyer for the Katzman Companies.

Smith from Katzman says berries have been especially strong in sales, along with organics. “The strength of berries and organics has become much more than a seasonal trend; they’ve evolved into year-round growth categories.”

“Conventional still represents the majority of our business—but there’s definitely more interest in convenience items and smaller packs.”

For Fres Co, organic demand has stayed fairly steady. “Consumers appreciate organics, but they’re also paying close attention to price,” DiMaggio says. “We’re also seeing continued interest in value-added products.”

Getzelman says organics aren’t a big draw at Canyon Sales. “Conventional still represents the majority of our business—but there’s definitely more interest in convenience items and smaller packs.”

D’Arrigo hasn’t seen a big uptick in organics either, though a full line of both conventional and organic products is available. She is seeing consistent movement in items providing convenience. “We handle value-added items such as bagged salads and are always looking to expand.”

Camaraderie Still Rules

In an industry of fast and furious change, some factors remain a constant at Hunts Point. One of them has helped the businesses there weather almost two centuries of buying and selling.

“Relationships still mean everything in this business,” Getzelman says. “Produce is unpredictable. Markets move, quality changes, and things don’t always go according to plan.

“The best relationships are the ones where growers, brokers, and customers communicate honestly and work through problems together. A good broker brings more than a price. You have to know the market, know your growers, know your customers, and help both sides make good decisions.”

DiMaggio concurs. “This industry has changed dramatically: technology has changed, logistics have changed, and customer expectations have changed, but the fundamentals are still the same.

“If you buy right, treat people fairly, stand behind what you sell, and do what you say you’re going to do, you’ll build lasting relationships. The produce industry has always been resilient. It’s not always easy, but it’s an industry full of hardworking people who know how to adapt.”