With the recent acquisition of Hearn Kirkwood, The Coastal Cos. is now a member of Pro*Act, giving it a boost in foodservice capabilities, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic area.
The Coastal Cos., Laurel, Md., a produce distributor and fresh-cut processor, announced the Hearn Kirkwood acquisition May 21.
Through the Hearn Kirkwood deal, The Coastal Cos. added grab-and-go items including wraps, salads and snack trays, according to a news release, with distribution from Maine to Florida. The Coastal Cos. now have three subsidiaries with their own focus:
- Hearrn Kirkwood: ready-to-eat prepared foods;
- Coastal Sunbelt Produce: perishables distribution; and
- East Coast Fresh: fresh-cut produce, salsas and organic produce.
Coastal Sunbelt Produce joined the Pro*Act network, taking the role of Hearn Kirkwood as regional distributor in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia, according to the release from The Coastal Cos.
The distributor-processor has access to Pro*Act’s cumulative buying power, additional relationships with growers and opportunities for customer growth, according to a Pro*Act news release.
“This transition has been great for our customers and staff, and is a partnership that we see being productive for years to come for all parts of our supply chain,” Pro*Act CEO Max Yeater said in the release.
“Our strength lies in producing and crafting innovative food products,” John Reichlin, president of Hearn Kirkwood, said in the release. “The Coastal Companies’ network is extensive. Joining Coastal will enable us to accelerate our growth.”
Reichlin remains as president of the Hearn Kirkwood subsidiary, and will report to John Corso, CEO of The Coastal Cos.
Hearn Kirkwood’s headquarters remains at its facility in Jessup, Md. Business at Hearn Kirkwood’s Hanover, Md., distribution center will be phased out and consolidated with The Coastal Co.s’ Laurel facility.
