FreshEdge acquires fresh produce distributor McCartney in US

Fresh food distributor McCartney Produce has been acquired by FreshEdge, a family of produce and speciality food companies.

Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.

Established in 1947, McCartney distributes its products to the foodservice and retail customers from its facility in Paris, Tennessee.

McCartney Produce president Raymon Randolph said: “By teaming up with FreshEdge, McCartney will expand its selection of speciality items and fresh-cut processed products such as fresh salads, sandwiches, and healthy snack items while continuing to provide its exceptional customer service.”

According to the deal, Randolph will continue his association with McCartney as president and lead the company’s operations from its current facility.

McCartney will be joining FreshEdge portfolio, which includes Get Fresh, Indianapolis Fruit, Piazza Produce & Specialty Foods, Garden Cut, CIBUS Fresh, and Papania’s brands.

The deal is expected to further diversify FreshEdge presence in Tennessee, as well as the South-East and Midwest regions.

FreshEdge CEO Steve Grinstead said: “We are pleased to continue to build our family of ‘Best in Class’ fresh food distribution companies that are supported by our collection of vertically integrated value-added operations.”

The transaction is expected to make the merged entity one of the largest independent producers and speciality food distributors in the US market.

FreshEdge was formed last year by fresh food distribution companies, including Get Fresh Produce, IF&P Foods and Piazza Produce.

The company operates two Garden Cut branded fresh-cut processing facilities, a tomato re-packer, a USDA fresh kitchen (CIBUS Fresh), and two transportation companies.