Ontario, Calif.-based GS Foods Group Inc., a leading specialized food distributor owned by affiliates of Highview Capital LLC and A&M Capital Partners, has acquired C&C Produce – a specialty distributor of produce products based in Kansas City, Mo.
C&C’s owners will continue to lead operations from its current facilities in partnership with GS Foods’ senior leadership team, according to a news release. Terms of the acquisition were not released.
Established in 1992, C&C operates the largest produce warehouse in the Midwest – serving over 4,000 customer locations across six states, according to the release.
Going forward, C&C’s owners will collaborate closely with the GS Foods team as the two companies ensure a seamless transition and continued operational excellence.
With more than 50 years of industry experience, GS Foods encompasses a family of specialized foodservice companies that provide trusted food distribution and product solutions nationwide. GS Foods’ investment in C&C will strengthen C&C’s existing operations and incorporate its specialized produce scale and service to further enhance value to GS Foods’ customers in end markets such as education, foodservice and retail, according to the release.
“The acquisition of C&C represents an exciting, strategic expansion for GS Foods as we continue to build out our geographic footprint and product offerings,” Sean Leer, CEO of GS Foods, said in the release.
“We’re looking forward to working with the C&C team and leveraging their unique expertise to deepen the service we provide to our customers as they join the GS Foods family.”
Building C&C “from the ground up” has been a challenging and extremely rewarding venture, Nick Conforti and Joe Cali, co-owners of C&C, said in the release.
“Together with our dedicated team, we’ve grown from a local farm stand to one of the leading produce partners for grocers, retailers and school districts throughout the Midwest. This partnership with GS Foods is the next step in our journey as we continue to serve our communities and look down the road towards expanded opportunities. We look forward to extending this commitment to excellence into our merger with GS Foods, and to working together to build an even stronger future.”
Foodservice strength
GS Foods’ investment in C&C represents a significant and unique partnership in the foodservice distribution industry, Steve Russell, managing director and senior portfolio manager for Highview, said in the release.
“We believe C&C’s unparalleled focus on their customers and commitment to high-quality, high-value products make them an excellent fit for GS Foods’ portfolio – and we look forward to seeing how this new partnership further builds upon their shared mission.”
GS Foods is focused on continuing to grow its business and finding ways to better serve its 8,000 customers throughout the U.S., the release said. The acquisition of C&C follows other recent acquisitions, including Classic Delight, School Lunch Products Inc., Fresno Produce and Hayes Distributing, as well as the opening of new distribution centers in Pennsylvania, Texas, Colorado and Oregon, according to the release.
