“Harvest’s network throughout the Western U.S. and expertise in both commodity and branded products pairs well with Sherwood’s East Coast presence and vast portfolio of commodity and perimeter-of-store products,” said Jay Leavy, CEO of San Diego-based Harvest Food Distributors. “This merger is so complementary — our vendors should be pleased to know they can now reach more customers through one partner.”

In addition to national distribution through a single sale, the new company will offer full-service transportation, storage and freight services.

“Our regional distribution centers and proven routes allow us to move high volumes of brands and products across markets quickly and consistently — now on a scale previously unattainable to independent food companies like those we serve,” said Earl Ishbia, CEO of Detroit-based Sherwood Food Distributors.

Both companies have a history of acquiring a variety of natural and specialty brands that meet the demands of today’s consumers with regard to origin, purity, sustainability and animal care. Offering commodities and branded products, Harvest and Sherwood will stock retailers throughout the perimeter of the store, including bakery, deli, meat and seafood departments, and offers marketing resources to help drive sales. The company will also continue supplying foodservice operators, broadline distributors and cruise lines with quality protein and perishable products.

The merger keeps the best of both companies intact, with no immediate change in service to suppliers or customers, and no staff reduction. The new organization’s executive leadership team will consist of Jay Leavy and Earl Ishbia serving as co-CEOs, and Kevin Leavy and Jason Ishbia serving as co-presidents.

Source: Harvest-Sherwood Food Distribution