Charlie’s Produce has announced its acquisition of Los Angeles based organics distributor Better Life Organics (BLO).
The deal will allow Charlie’s Produce to expand its presence within the Los Angeles market and offer a broader breadth of products, including an extensive selection of premium organic fruits and vegetables from local growers and international market leaders.
“BLO has an excellent reputation in the Los Angeles market for providing high quality products and service to customers,” said Jim McDonald, general manager of Charlie’s Produce Los Angeles.
“As a business focused on building fruitful and enduring relationships, we are pleased to have BLO’s talented team and loyal customers join the Charlie’s Produce family.”
Starting immediately, Charlie’s Produce will consolidate operations in their state-of-the-art facility located in Irwindale, California and welcome executives Bill McCoy and German Ruiz to the team.
McCoy, who founded and led BLO as CEO, will join Charlie’s Produce in a sales development capacity to further strengthen customer programmes and provide a smooth transition for customers.
Ruiz, who founded and serves as president of BLO, will also join Charlie’s Produce team in the Irwindale distribution facility and focus on expanding partnerships within the organic grower community.
“We are happy to be combining with a respected and innovative company that aligns with our values and standards when it comes to fresh food distribution,” said McCoy. “We look forward to continuing to serve the LA market and providing our customers with strengthened service and product offerings that help their businesses continue to thrive.”
During the last five years, Charlie’s Produce has expanded rapidly through increased services, produce processing, geographic extension and acquisition.
The company opened a new distribution centre in Los Angeles in 2015, entered the Boise, Idaho market in 2017 through the purchase of Northwest Produce and increased its brokerage division (Charlie’s Produce Trading Company) representing growers throughout the West Coast.
“We are constantly seeking ways to improve our services on behalf of our customers and grower partners. The addition of Better Life Organics brings more innovation, new products and a great team to our Los Angeles division,” said Jeremy Smith, president of Charlie’s Produce.
