Charlie’s Produce, Seattle, has acquired Better Life Organics, Los Angeles.
Better Life Organics, which opened 24 years ago, will merge with Charlie’s, according to a news release.
The deal gives Charlie’s deeper roots in the Los Angeles market and offers a broader range of products, including an extensive selection of organic fruits and vegetables.
Starting May 28, Charlie’s Produce is consolidating operations in its Irwindale, Calif., facility.
Bill McCoy, co-founder and CEO of Better Life Organics, and German Ruiz, co-founder and president, will remain with the company, according to the release. McCoy will be in a “sales development capacity” and Ruiz, will be based at the Irwindale distribution facility and “focus on expanding partnerships” with organic growers, according to the release.
“(Better Life Organics) has an excellent reputation in the Los Angeles market for providing high-quality products and service to customers,” Jim McDonald, general manager of Charlie’s Produce Los Angeles, said in the release. “As a business focused on building fruitful and enduring relationships, we are pleased to have (Better Life Organic’s) talented team and loyal customers join the Charlie’s Produce family.”
Charlie’s Produce opened a distribution center in Los Angeles in 2015, purchased Northwest Produce in Boise, Idaho, and expanded coverage of its brokerage division, Charlie’s Produce Trading Co., to represent West Coast growers.
“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,” McCoy said. “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.”
Charlie’s has distribution centers in:
- Los Angeles/Irwindale
- Portland
- Seattle
- Spokane, Wash.
- Boise, Idaho
- Anchorage, Alaska
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