A&J Produce Built on Family Values and Relationships

A&J Produce Corporation has served the produce industry since May 1977, when it was founded by three friends, Al Weiler, Joe Levantino and John Tramutola, who collectively brought over 75 years of sales experience in the wholesale produce business.

In 1987, Weiler and Tramutola acquired full ownership of the company and began a new chapter of growth and expansion. A&J began its wholesale operations with just three units on Row A of the Hunts Point Terminal Market in the Bronx, NY. Over the past 48-plus years, the company has steadily grown to become one of the largest wholesalers of fresh fruits and vegetables in the region.

What truly sets A&J apart are its people — a multi-generational team that brings decades of experience, hustle, and hands-on leadership to every aspect of the business.

“The company is built on deep family values and long-standing relationships, many of which began with a handshake from my grandfather,” says Stephanie Tramutola, director of marketing and administration and the first female in the family business. “A&J has earned its reputation by delivering consistent quality and meeting customer needs with reliability.”

John Thomas Bonomolo, director of operations and administration, started working in the family business at 13 during the summers as a porter — sweeping floors, working in the store, leveling boxes, and unloading trucks.

“I was getting up before dawn with a regimented routine, learning what it meant to show up on time and be dependable. Those early experiences taught me the value of hard work, discipline, and understanding finances from a young age,” Bonomolo says. “It wasn’t just about earning a few dollars, it was about building a foundation. That work ethic shaped who I am today.”

Jimmy Tramutola, head fruit salesman, also remembers working for A&J at 16. “My dad made me unload railcars full of carrots. I’ll never forget the brand name Bunny Luv — the bags weighed more than me. Early on, I learned the terminal market is a tough business, and if you want to succeed, you have to start at the bottom and work your way up.”

Today, A&J occupies 31 units on Row A and Row D, servicing a broad customer base across New York and the greater Northeast region.

Looking ahead, Stephanie Tramutola says the company’s continued success will be driven by its ability to adapt without compromising the core principles that built the business. “That means investing in operational efficiencies, embracing technology, and ensuring leadership continuity while staying connected to the daily grind of the business.”

The company’s vision for the next decade, and beyond, is rooted in the same values that built A&J — quality, trust and service, while adopting innovation to meet the needs of future generations. “At our core, we feed people, and that responsibility drives our commitment to delivering the freshest, highest quality produce every day,” she adds.

Built on a foundation of experience, integrity and strong relationships, A&J Produce — now a proud third-generation family business — remains a trusted name in the wholesale produce industry, committed to delivering quality, freshness, reliability and service.