OUR MISSION
To provide our membership with multiple networking opportunities in the produce industry, advance the sales and awareness of fresh fruits and vegetables, and to support charitable causes in our industry and community.
The History of EPC
Founded in 1966 in New York City, the Eastern Produce Council was originally known as the Produce Sales Club. The founding members recognized the need to form a group to collaborate and share common practices amongst the market trade of fresh produce.
As the need grew and the organization developed, there was a commitment to engage more people and establish membership. With a larger group and membership, the Produce Sales Club was able to provide quality services and programs that benefited and enhanced the competitiveness of its members. Members at that time consisted of retailers and wholesalers of fresh fruit and produce.
Three years after formation…
The organization was growing, and the Produce Sales Club changed its name to the Eastern Produce Council. The Council was attracting and engaging more members and bringing together individuals dedicated to an evolving industry and marketplace. Advancements were being made in information exchange, market services, and philanthropic contributions.
This was the start of achieving common goals of a membership that served the largest geographic region of produce consumption. For more than 50 years, the EPC has continued to thrive and achieve its goals of bringing value to its members.
Hall of Fame
Vincent DeSomma
Harold Friedman
Jerry Grindell
Tom Krulder
Hymie Grappel
Don Joseph
Marty Krichmar
John McAleavey
Ken Black
George Moskal
Joe DeLorenzo
Al Ferri
Joe ProcacciHelping Those in Need & Educating Future Leaders in Agriculture
The Eastern Produce Council is dedicated to making the world a better place and is committed to improving the social welfare of our industry and local community.
Since its inception, the Eastern Produce Council has made annual contributions to many deserving causes, organizations, and educational institutions. Portions of the funds raised from our Annual Golf Outing, Annual Dinner Dance, and The New York Produce Show are donated to many worthy causes.
The Eastern Produce Council is dedicated to the advancement of agricultural studies in the states we serve.
The Eastern Produce Council is proud to partner with Hackensack University Medical Center’s Tomorrows Children’s Fund. Tomorrows Children’s Fund is a state-of-the-art treatment center and research facility that helps fight pediatric cancer and juvenile blood disorders.
We have donated to Rutgers University’s Science and Biological Sciences Program, Cornell University’s LEAD New York Program, and South Carolina’s Advocates for Agriculture (Eubanks Farm at John De La Howe.)
We are also pleased to donate funds to our partners at the New Jersey Agricultural Society, and Food Bank Organizations in New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia. Our corporate members have also donated millions of pounds of food to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey and many local banks throughout our area.
The Eastern Produce Council has donated to
Community Food Bank of New Jersey
Cornell’s Lead New York Program
Eva’s Village
Food Bank for New York City
Hackensack Children’s Hospital’s
Tomorrows Children’s Fund
New Jersey Agriculture Society
Philabundance
Rutgers University Foundation
South Carolina’s Advocates
for Agriculture
Our members have also donated millions of pounds of food to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey and many local banks throughout our area.