SAN DIEGO — Harvest Food Distributors and Sherwood Food Distributors have merged to form a nationwide protein and perishable food distribution network, servicing independent food retailers, regional retail chains, national retail chains, cruise lines and foodservice distributors from coast to coast, the companies announced.
The merger of Harvest and Sherwood brings together two family-owned companies to serve as a single, trusted partner for suppliers and customers, officials noted, adding that while both companies will retain their existing individual identities, their shared network of distribution routes and warehouses throughout the U.S. will allow Harvest and Sherwood to meet local needs reliably and frequently, moving large amounts of product wherever it is needed.
“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, company officials noted.
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 companies 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 companies said. 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.
More information about Harvest Food Distributors can be obtained at www.harvestmeat.com; and more information about Sherwood Food Distributors can be obtained at www.sherwoodfoods.com.
