BlazerWilkinsonGee LLC (BWG), a Salinas, Calif.-based grower-packer-shipper of premium strawberries, has a new partnership with Arable Capital Partners and industry veteran David Sullivan.
Arable Capital Partners is a leader of sustainable food and agribusiness investing and partnerships, and Sullivan is a partner with Arable at Pacific Trellis Fruit, a year-round grower-packer-shipper of premium grapes, tree fruit, citrus and cherries, according to a news release. Sullivan, chairman of Dulcinea Farms, is also a long-term industry associate of BWG.
“BWG sought aggressive agriculture partners to share our vision for future growth,” John Wilkinson, BWG co-founder and CEO, said in the release. “Arable has a good mix of operational, partnership and investing experience in the agriculture sector. They were able to provide a structured deal, which worked well for the families involved.
“With its long-term approach to investments and strong partnership mentality, Arable is a great fit with BWG’s people-centered culture,” Wilkinson continued. “Opportunities for growth for both companies and cross-fertilization are tremendous. With both having the same focus on quality and adherence to best practices, a better value proposition for the customer on a wider range of top-quality products will be created.”
The new deal further expands Arable’s footprint in vertically integrated premium fruit operations, having previously established partnerships in Pacific Trellis Fruit and Royal Ridge Fruits, the release said.
“With this transaction, we are getting great partners in a top-notch strawberry operation. This is a fantastic opportunity for us to be part of the growing berry category,” Greg Richards, founder and managing director of Arable, said in the release.
“As a leader of a top produce category with an impressive and diversified customer base, BWG has a strong platform on which to expand,” Derek Yurosek, managing director of Arable, said in the release. “We look forward to working with the entire BWG team to continue to drive growth and deliver outstanding products and service to customers.”
