Leading international fresh produce company Total Produce has announced that it has acquired a 50 per cent equity stake in California-based fresh produce company The Fresh Connection.
Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Lafayette, The Fresh Connection is one of North America’s premier produce export companies with 2016 sales of around US$165m.
The Fresh Connection is a distributor and exporter of a wide range of fresh fruits and vegetables to customers in more than 35 countries, serving its customers from operations in four key production regions.
It partners with a network of trusted growers throughout the US, Mexico, South America, South Africa, and Australia to enable it to provide many varieties of fresh produce, principally citrus, apples, pears, grapes, berries, cherries, and stonefruit, to its customers.
According to the official statement, Hank Miller is continuing as co-shareholder and CEO of the business and Will Mehrten stays on as president of the company.
'We are delighted to become shareholders in The Fresh Connection,' said Carl McCann, chairman of Total Produce. 'This transaction further broadens our US presence and provides us with strategic access to other key markets. We look forward to working with Hank, Will and the excellent people in The Fresh Connection as it continues to develop its very successful business expansion in future years.'
Hank Miller said that the Fresh Connection was proud to partner with Total Produce.
'This transaction will further strengthen the business we have developed and grown over many years,' he explained. 'We believe our partnership will create opportunities for The Fresh Connection which will benefit all stakeholders, including our growers, suppliers, employees and, of course, our customers.'
