Boston’s markets: the dynamic duo

The New England Produce Center (NEPC) and the Boston Market Terminal (BMT) have deep roots in the Boston produce industry.

The NEPC opened its doors in Chelsea in 1968. Many of the family owned and operated businesses who set up shop back then continue to operate out of the market today.

In 1969, the BMT opened its doors in Everett, directly across from the NEPC. The two terminals were initially separated by a fence, but the gates between the two have long remained open.

They cooperate with one another, often trading product to help fulfill orders when one market is low on a commodity. A handful of merchants, like Community-Suffolk, Inc., BB #:101225, have facilities on both the NEPC and the BMT.

These sister markets move fresh produce and other products to more than 8 million consumers throughout Massachusetts, the East Coast, Canada, and beyond. Suppliers on the markets serve a variety of customers including supermarkets, restaurants, convention centers, country clubs, colleges, and more.

“As volume receivers, we supply smaller regional wholesalers throughout New England, New York, and Canadian Maritimes, who then distribute product to retailer’s institutions such as schools, restaurants, etc.,” said Tommy Piazza, in sales for Community-Suffolk.

He says Community-Suffolk also has direct relationships with full-service distributors throughout the region.

“We also supply major Northeast chain stores as well as the many smaller, private supermarkets and upscale full-service farm stands that are very popular throughout New England,” Piazza continues. “We also get great support from the vibrant restaurants and recent trend of ethnic neighborhood storefronts.”

Dominic Cavallaro, president of John Cerasuolo Company, Inc. BB #:101208 on the NEPC, says the firm serves both wholesale and retail clients.

“The supermarket scene in Boston is very competitive,” he said. “We serve both national and independent retailers.”

Patrick Burke, sales manager with Garden Fresh Salad Company, Inc. BB #:101286 on the NEPC says his company primarily serves foodservice customers. “Business has been good this year; it’s pretty consistent,” he adds.

This is a multi-part spotlight feature on Boston produce adapted from the October 2019 issue of Produce Blueprints.

Image sources are either licensed or customer-provided.