Wilcox Fresh acquires Southwind Farms

Rexburg, Idaho-based Wilcox Fresh announced the acquisition of Heyburn, Idaho-based Southwind Farms in a news release. In 2023, Wilcox Fresh will celebrate its 75^th anniversary, according to the release.

“It will continue its legacy of land stewardship, innovation and hard work to provide the finest-quality Idaho potatoes to an ever-expanding base of retail and foodservice customers throughout the U.S. and abroad,” said Derek Peterson, vice president of sales and operations, in the release.

Southwind Farms is a grower and shipper of fingerling potatoes. “Southwind has experienced monumental growth and brand recognition over the past 20 plus years as owners Robert Tominaga, Rod Lake and Jerry Tominaga grew their farm and business from just 4 acres of fingerlings in the late 90s to nearly 700 acres and a state-of-the-art packing facility,” according to the release.

Wilcox Fresh is looking forward to continuing the Southwind Farms tradition of growth and quality that Southwind is so well known for in our industry, Peterson stated in the release. “Southwind Farms daily operations personnel will continue to operate the business providing a seamless transition,” the release continued.

“The fusion of these two companies will provide our customers with a first class experience of quality, innovation and dependability that’s unrivalled in the potato industry. Our hope is that we, as leaders, can move our industry forward and provide solutions to our new and existing customers,” Peterson said. “Furthermore, we want to extend our love and appreciation to our customers for their support and trust given over these past 75 years and the many years still yet to come.”