With consumer’s attitudes constantly evolving toward healthier, fresher, and more sustainable eating habits, foodservice providers are pressed for new offerings. One way of going about this is teaming up or taking over wholesaler operations that bring fresh to the forefront. Sysco Corporation initially did this with its acquisition of two California-based meat providers back in April. Honing in on the benefits of another fresh category, Sysco announced yesterday that it has now acquired two Hawaii-based produce wholesalers and distributors with approximately $155 million in combined annual revenue.
“Armstrong Produce and Kula Produce have been providing quality service and produce to Hawaii and the Pacific Region since 1979, and we are excited to welcome them to the Sysco family of companies and to FreshPoint,” said Greg Bertrand, Sysco’s Executive Vice President, U.S. Foodservice Operations. “A key pillar of FreshPoint’s strategy for continued growth and value creation is the continuous assessment of new market opportunities. Acquiring Armstrong Produce and Kula Produce provides Sysco and FreshPoint with additional direct access to the Hawaiian Islands and increased capacity to expand our produce assortment in the local market.”
Armstrong Produce was founded in 1979 and has grown from a small family-run wholesale business into one of Hawaii’s leading produce wholesalers and distributors, according to a press release. With operations in Honolulu, Kona, and Kahului, the company supplies a wide range of customers with fresh produce daily, from local chefs to retailers. Armstrong Produce and Kula Produce are sister companies.
The acquisitions will operate as part of FreshPoint, Sysco’s specialty produce company, with the banner expecting to retain the executive leadership team of Armstrong Produce and Kula Produce, as well as all current associates.
“By leveraging the combined skills of FreshPoint, Armstrong Produce, and Kula Produce, we are better positioned to serve our customers,” continued Bertrand. “This partnership provides an opportunity to broaden our vision to be our customers’ most valued and trusted business partner.”
Congratulations to Sysco on another successful acquisition! To see how foodservice providers continue to pivot, keep reading Deli Market News.
