For four generations, the Kotzen family has worked in the produce industry starting with Papa Abe who was born in 1895 and immigrated to the United States from Lithuania. Abe had to quit school after the 6th grade to earn a living for his family and was introduced to the produce business by his uncle. By the ’30s he’d made a name for himself in the business servicing chain supermarkets throughout the region. Abe’s son Herb joined his father in the business after the end of WW II and yet a third generation joined the produce industry when Peter Kotzen finished his schooling and went to work for the family. Now a fourth-generation Kotzen, Jeff, has joined the ranks of produce specialists.

The relationships the family has established with growers and importers over the past 80 years continues to benefit our customers today. These long-standing business associations mean that J. W. LOPES is able to offer customers preferential product and competitive pricing that others can’t.

Moreover, we like what we do and we like keeping things in the family. Our reputation’s on it.