BRONX, NY - We’re going downright bananas over here, and it’s all thanks to D’Arrigo New York. The wholesaler took a deep dive into the banana business in 2015, now the company is bringing us down a storied history of its involvement with one of the most popular items in the industry.

“Traditionally, we transform slowly, but in this instance, we immediately embraced change,” the company stated in its release. “In 2016, we purchased the banana house, Banana Distributors, located at 725 Edgewater Street, directly across from the entrance to the market.”

And it’s been a beautiful relationship since. Because of their year-round availability and low price, bananas are ranked sixth in the fresh fruit and vegetable category. According to the International Fresh Produce Association, banana sales totaled $3.2 billion in 2021.

Juan Luciano started working for Banana Distributors in 2009 and is now D’Arrigo New York’s Lead Ripener.

“It’s not a secret that bananas have to be treated differently than any other fruit. With D’Arrigo New York, we have taken bananas to another level,” Luciano spoke about the growth of its new program. “We’re much more strategic and have grown by approximately 50 percent over the past five years. We have more stability with our customer base. The supply is more stable. Our operation is more technologically advanced. We used to be in the facility seven days a week; now I can control the operation from my house.”

D’Arrigo New York then went on to purchase another banana facility at Randall Ave in 2021, which added 15 new environmentally aware banana rooms. The company’s updated ripening process moves more product through the facility and maintains the quality of the product much better than using tarps. During the high season, the company does 25–28 loads depending on the weather.

“By mid-2024, we will have completed renovations updating additional rooms and have 25 banana ripening rooms in total between both facilities,” continued the company. “We are proud to have grown to be a top five seller of bananas in the Northeast.”

Coupled with this growth, the company recently welcomed Eddie Carute as a Sales Account Manager. He has been in the produce business for 13 years, beginning his career working in sales at Baldor Specialty Foods. After he built a foundation in its purchasing department, he became a buyer at Plainfield Produce in Edison, New Jersey, and continued there for four years.

Curious to learn more about the company’s banana business? Dillon D’Arrigo, Gabriela D’Arrigo, Gianna D’Arrigo, and Eric Mitchnick will be heading out to Southern Exposure March 2–4, so reach out to set a meeting.

And keep an eye out for ANUK to continue reporting in the industry.

D’Arrigo New York