It all started in 1949 when I was a junior in high school. A classmate was in the hospital and our teacher collected money from the class to send him a fruit basket. Since my brothers and I were in the fruit and produce business, my teacher asked me to send a basket of fruit. There was only one problem—we didn’t actually make fruit baskets. But we took on the challenge anyway. That afternoon I nervously delivered my first fruit basket to Mercer Hospital. My friend loved it. The nurses raved about it. The basket was a hit!

Soon after, my family expanded our business, Centre Fruit Market, to include fruit baskets. Competition was stiff because there were already six well-established fruit basket makers in the Trenton area. To set ourselves apart, we began to include gourmet items like imported cheeses, cookies and candies in our fancy fruit baskets. We were also the first fruit basket retailer to advertise same day delivery. And our store always carried fresh, top-quality baskets available for pickup.

Over the next 20 years we gradually outgrew our store on Centre Street as fruit and gift baskets became the largest side of the business. After searching for a new home, we found the perfect spot across the river in my home town of Morrisville. Looking to expand the business but needing more information, I attended fancy food shows all over the country. From the knowledge gained at these shows, Centre Fruit Gourmet was born in 1969! As pioneers in the gourmet food business, the store opened to rave reviews. Our gift and fruit baskets already had a strong following, even in Bucks County, and the gourmet foods quickly caught on. Soon we were delivering over 50 fruit and gift baskets daily and setting new records each holiday season, thanks primarily to the strong support from our professional and corporate customers. We soon built a warehouse and doubled our staff to meet holiday demand!

Over the years Centre Fruit Gourmet fruit and gift baskets have been received by people all over the country. One particularly memorable basket was purchased by a good friend, a local politician, for his hospitalized friend—Mayor Frank Rizzo. But, the high point came in 1972 when the late Mary Roebling ordered a cartful of our most exotic gourmet items and asked us to make a very large and very special fruit basket. The next day she delivered this gourmet treat to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue to her special friend President Richard Nixon!

In 1989, after over 40 years in business, I retired and turned the business over to my family. They have continued to improve Centre Fruit Gourmet with new products and new services like catering and take-out foods. I am proud to see they have maintained the same high quality and customer service that Centre Fruit Gourmet was founded on.

To my long time customers I say a heartfelt thanks. And to our new customers, it’s great to have you!  We couldn’t do it without you.

                                                                                                  Sincerely,
                                                                                                  Norm Marrazzo Sr.