Philadelphia Wholesale Market opens

The Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market (PWPM), home to 26 fresh produce merchants across a 700,000ft2 fresh producewholesale facility, has officially opened for business this week.

Located at 6700Essington Avenue in Philadelphia, PA, the facility is designed to provide high quality, fresh produce to customers within a 500-mile radius.

With a state-of-the-art cold chain management system in place, the facility maintains temperature effectively, thereby supplying customers of the PWPM with fresher products and a longer shelf-life.

'We are thrilled to be officially operating in our new market,' said Sonny DiCrecchio, CEO of the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market. 'The years of planning and building have certainly been challenging, but in the end, we have a one of a kind facility that is open and ready to service customers.'

And John Vena Jr., PWPM board member and president of John Vena Inc., added: 'The delayed move to the new market simply provided the merchants with an opportunity to further plan logistically for a smooth transition. It was great to see the expression on our client's faces yesterday as we opened the doors to the new facility. It is a day that we will not soon forget and I’m honoured to have been a part of this historical day.'

The previous market, located on South Galloway Street, officially closed at on Thursday 2 June 2011.