Tropical Produce a Growing Opportunity

For many consumers, tropical produce is not a specialty item, it is an everyday essential, deeply tied to tradition, culture and nutrition. As demand continues to increase in this category, wholesalers have an opportunity to better support their customers while expanding their business.

At A&J Produce, this growth prompted us to launch a new tropical department. While the decision was driven by consumer interest, it also reflects broader shifts taking place across the produce industry. As consumer preferences evolve and communities become increasingly diverse, wholesalers are expanding their offerings to better reflect the markets they serve.

Entering the tropical category is not simply about adding new products. It is about strengthening our role as a full-service partner while positioning ourselves more strategically within the supply chain.

Operating out of the Hunts Point Produce Terminal Market, one of the largest wholesale produce markets in the world, gives us a unique advantage. Our location allows us to efficiently supply a wide range of ethnic populations throughout the Northeast while providing access to the freshest, highest-quality produce.

That assortment includes tropical items, such as plantains, yuca, malanga, batata, calabaza, papaya and bananas, with offerings adjusted seasonally based on availability and demand. These commodities play a vital role for independent retailers, bodegas, neighborhood grocers, foodservice operators, and produce buyers throughout the region.

As we expand into this category, I spoke with our new tropical buyer, Ralph Tejeda, whose experience and industry insight have been instrumental in establishing the department. According to Tejeda, understanding the customer base is critical to building a successful tropical program.

“We serve a broad customer base, including Latino, Asian and Caribbean communities,” says Tejeda. “However, these groups should not be treated as a single market, because each community has distinct preferences and traditions. For example, El Salvadorian cuisine differs from Mexican cuisine, just as Dominican cuisine differs from Jamaican cuisine. Recognizing these differences allows us to better support the diverse population of New York.”

Mainstream consumers are also increasingly seeking new and interesting products, broadening the category’s reach beyond traditional ethnic markets.

With greater demand comes increased responsibility throughout the supply chain. For A&J, direct importing and compliance with our Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) have been central to developing a credible and competitive department.

“It is important to source products as close to their origin as possible,” explains Tejeda. “Buying direct can improve profit margins as well as securing consistent supply.”

Direct sourcing also creates operational advantages that extend beyond pricing.

“Working closely with the source allows us to be among the first receivers of product, which is critical for freshness,” he says. “It also gives us information that helps us plan ahead and respond more effectively to potential supply interruptions.”

Like many sectors of the produce industry, tropical sourcing comes with significant operational challenges, including weather disruptions, supply chain delays, and rising fuel costs. Because of these variables, food safety and compliance remain essential.

Tejeda notes A&J’s established compliance department and adherence to food safety protocols provide a layer of reassurance as imported produce accounts for a growing portion of the market.

INVEST IN TRAINING

Beyond sourcing, tropical produce also requires a deeper level of product knowledge and handling expertise. Many commodities travel long distances before reaching distribution facilities and retail shelves, which can affect shelf life, explains Tejeda. “Many tropical items may also be unfamiliar to handlers, creating a need for training on proper storage, ripening, rotation and merchandising.”

Investing in education and operational training is as crucial as sourcing the right product. A strong tropical program requires coordination between procurement teams, warehouse staff, transportation providers, and buyers to ensure quality is maintained from origin to delivery.

At A&J, we view this department as more than just a category expansion. It represents an investment in the future of our business and in the communities we serve.

Wholesalers who diversify their offerings and remain connected to shifting consumer trends will be better positioned for long-term growth. For A&J, this represents an opportunity to maintain and strengthen our relationships, from growers and import partners to retailers and end consumers, while connecting cultures, products, and communities through produce.

As the produce industry evolves, wholesalers must adapt to the changing demographics and preferences shaping the marketplace. For A&J, the tropical department represents both a strategic investment and a cultural one, strengthening our sourcing capabilities, broadening our customer reach, and reinforcing our commitment to delivering quality, consistency and care.

Stephanie Tramutola is the first female in the family working at A&J Produce Corp., Bronx, NY. The company was started in 1977 by her grandfather, John Tramutola, and his partners. Today, A&J Produce is one of the largest wholesalers of fresh fruits and vegetables in the Hunts Point Terminal Market, servicing New York and the Northeast region.