Philadelphia, PA – The Procacci Companies announced today that Joseph M. Procacci, current president of Santa Sweets Inc. and COO of Procacci Brothers Sales Corporation, has been named Chief Executive Officer of Procacci Holdings LLC. After nearly 70 years as the leader of the company, Produce industry legend Joseph G. Procacci is stepping down as CEO and transitioning to the role of CEO Emeritus.
Joseph M. Procacci, known to employees and customers as J.M., began his career in Produce at the age of 10, working alongside his father and learning Procacci Brothers’ business operations from the ground up. J.M. joined the company full-time after graduating from Saint Joseph’s University in 1974 with a degree in Labor Relations. He made immediate contributions to Procacci’s Tomato Repack operations, spearheading improvements in labor efficiency, quality assurance and food safety. Next, J.M. led Procacci’s Tomato Sales Desk, where his emphasis on developing supplier networks and capitalizing on logistical opportunities in Procacci’s distribution network led to significant sales growth in new markets, largely from winning the business of major food service and retail accounts. Throughout his career with Procacci Brothers, J.M. has held a central role in Human Resources functions, including talent acquisition, employee healthcare, and labor relations. Currently, J. M. serves as a Trustee of the Teamsters Local 929 Pension Fund and works with Union Committees to increase job opportunities.
In 2007, J.M. transitioned away from sales to head up Procacci’s vertically integrated growing operation, Santa Sweets, Inc., North America’s largest producer of grape and heirloom tomatoes. As President of Santa Sweets Inc., J.M.’s guidance led to outstanding progress in growing efficiencies, sustainable growing methods, organic production and labor practices. His focus on centralized strategic production planning and the development of higher yielding and disease-resistant varieties has enabled Santa Sweets to substantially increase yields per acre, reduce crop waste and guarantee a greater surety of supply to customers. Most recently, J.M. oversaw significant advancements to the company’s farming operations in Mexico, including the development of greenhouse operations providing grafting and seedling services to multinational agribusinesses, developing more than 800 acres of table grape production and building 120 acres of “shade house” protected growing structures.
“I’m honored to follow in my Dad’s footsteps and humbled to lead what my Dad always said was our greatest asset – our people,” said the new Procacci CEO. “I’ll be leading a tremendous team. We have a dynamic mix of energetic young talent and experience. The future of Procacci Brothers is exceedingly bright.” He continued, “Under my leadership, we will continue to honor the core values that took Procacci Brothers to the top of the produce industry, while also innovating and adapting to the evolving needs of our customers.”
In making today’s announcement, Joe Procacci stated, “I started this company with my brother Mike in 1948. Procacci Brothers has achieved magnitudes of success that we never could have imagined. We’ve been blessed with honest, hardworking employees and uncommonly loyal customers. It’s been a blessing to have my son by my side as we grew these companies. It’s with great pride and confidence that I turn over the future of the organization to his leadership.”
Mike Maxwell, president of Procacci Brothers, spoke of his admiration for both Procacci men, “Here at Procacci Brothers we have all been very fortunate to learn this business from one of the very best in the industry. The transition from one generation to the next is a very natural process in a family owned business. J.M. grew up in this business and has worked in all areas of this vertically integrated company. He’s been groomed for this position since he was 10 years old. I look forward to working with him in growing our business into the future,” Maxwell concluded, “and I wish Joe Procacci all the best in his retirement.”
About Procacci Brothers:
From our humble beginning in the Procacci Family basement back in 1948, to our current position as the Leader in the Field within the North American Produce Industry, Procacci Brothers Sales Corporation has excelled in growing and strengthening the businesses of our customers. Through our robust network of organic and conventional growers, we provide our customers with comprehensive sourcing solutions for premium fruits, vegetables, tropical & specialty produce and floral items. Whatever your need – from private labeling to local produce items to direct-store-delivery (DSD) – Procacci Brothers is equipped to provide customers of all types and sizes with the freshest, safest and best tasting produce. For more information on our wholesale produce/distribution operations please visit www.procaccibrothers.com .
About Santa Sweets: Santa Sweets Inc. is the premier supplier of heirloom and grape tomatoes in North America. We specialize in growing vine ripened, high-flavor tomatoes that are bursting with sweetness. With growing operations in New Jersey, North Carolina, Florida and Mexico, we provide an unparalleled surety of supply to our customers. As the #1 organic grape tomato producers in North America, we use our expertise to maximize soil health and minimize resource consumption by incorporating many organic methods into our conventional farming operations. To find out more information on how to provide your customers with the freshest, safest and best tasting tomatoes on the market, please visit www.santasweets.com .
Source: Procacci Brothers
