Procacci Brothers' produce wholesaler Garden State Farms, based in Philadelphia, says it's "strong and continues to grow" after buying its competitor's company, A.Vassallo Inc.

From the beginning, A.Vassallo's owners - the DiPascale Family - have maintained a friendly working relationship with the Procacci's. Combining the two family-run companies expands our customer pool and increases product quality and availability, states the Procacci Brothers in a press release.

“It was a natural expansion to our Garden State Farms operation,” comments J.M. Procacci, CEO of Procacci Holdings, LLC. He continues, “As we continue to expand, our commitment to the market is integral to our growth.” With the recent acquisition, Procacci Brother’s Garden State Farms has four units at the market.

The news corresponds with what Mike Maxwell, president of Procacci Brothers, calls a "rapid" period of regional growth, explaining: “Philadelphia is seeing more local crops coming in from the New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and New York.

“PWPM [Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market] is the ideal location to distribute produce and acquiring A.Vassallo makes Garden State more efficient for their customers.”

Commenting on their partnership with Garden State Farms' co-vice president, David DiPascale, the Procacci Brothers praise his hard work and dedication, adding that they've held a life-long friendship.

Regarding their business relationship, Maxwell says “He has built a great team over there, and we are excited about the future of our market.”

As they look to the future, the Procacci Brothers say that they will continue to expand their premium services and products.