The economic power of produce will be heard in one of the most dynamic cities in America.
With that mission in mind, D’Arrigo Brothers has just enlisted as a member of the Association for a Better New York (ABNY), a powerful coalition of major corporations and institutions whose common goal is strengthening the city’s economic fabric and quality of life.
For generations, the nearly exclusive focus of D’Arrigo Brothers has been to efficiently serve hundreds of clients with a daily supply of fresh produce. It was a conscious decision to leave public policy and macro-economics to others and reflected the opinion of many in our industry. “Stick to what you do best” has been a constant refrain. However, business life for every sector of our industry has become far more complex, and the need to advocate for issues such as infrastructure continues to take on a new and urgent priority.
Creating a credible presence sitting alongside fellow ABNY members with brand names such as Citibank and Columbia University requires statistics. Playing a significant role at the Hunts Point Terminal Market in the Bronx, with some 100,000 square feet of space, D’Arrigo Brothers has long recognized that the market, and the companies inside its borders, wield considerable economic power. So too, does New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.
In a report that comprehensively reviewed our economic reach, DiNapoli noted that the Terminal Market is the largest produce market in the world, requiring 112 acres. He counted more than 50 cooperative merchants distributing fresh fruit and vegetables from 49 states and 55 countries. He computed that the market sells 3.3 billion pounds of produce and generates a projected $2 billion in annual revenue while generating 8,500 direct and ancillary jobs.
What these numbers mean is that the market, and its individual merchants, are a potent part of a regional economy that depends on job growth and investment to protect the city’s future. With economic power comes an obligation to be part of the conversation about where public resources are placed to encourage companies like ours to sustain their business growth which, in turn, directly improves the quality of life for a hard-working middle class.
D’Arrigo Brothers’ enlistment as a member of ABNY reflects its intention to seek an equal seat at the table because we helped set it. We would respectfully suggest there is a similar place for the produce industry across the United States because we not only help feed America, we employ it.
Source: D'Arrigo Brothers of New York, Inc.
