ROMEOVILLE, Ill. — Tree of Life Canada (TOLC) announces today its acquisition of Northbud Distributors, a recognized leader in the food distribution and brokerage business in Canada for over 40 years. The agreement became effective August 19, 2013, and will dramatically increase TOLC's frozen and refrigerated capabilities for retail, as well as its food service products. The enhanced capabilities of TOL will complement current TOLC products of Premium Taste, Ethnic, Natural, Perishable and Food Service brands.
Peter Clarke, VP Sales & Marketing for Northbud stated "This is an opportunity for our vendor partners to reach more doors across Canada and to increase and strengthen our sales support throughout the country." Clarke will be joining TOLC as the Vice President & General Manager, Northbud.
Northbud Distributors will be merged into the TOLC business over the next 12 months. All Northbud trade programs and terms will remain in place during this transition.
"We're very excited to welcome Peter Clarke and the Northbud team into the Tree of Life family," stated Jamie Moody, President Tree of Life Canada. "Tree of Life's strategy is to offer class leading category expertise in our specialty categories. The addition of the Northbud portfolio gives us greater presence in the perimeter of the store categories that continue to experience high growth," continued Moody.
KeHE Distributors (TOLC's parent company) President and Chief Executive Officer, Brandon Barnholt, added, "We are extremely excited about this acquisition as it is a perfect complement to our existing Canadian portfolio. The purchase is consistent with our growth strategy across North America."
Northbud's primary focus is on the distribution of refrigerated and frozen value-added meat, poultry and deli products and other grocery products. Northbud represents principals including Kraft Foods, Buddig, Hillshire Brands, and Advance Pierre Foods. Look for this acquisition to complement TOLC product offerings while also providing new National Key Account, DSD and logistical coverage in Canada.
About Tree of Life Canada
Tree of Life Canada is one of the largest distributors of specialty and natural foods in Canada. Operating coast to coast in Canada, it has the largest specialty food sales force in the country, representing nationally recognized brands.
About KeHE
KeHE Distributors, LLC based in Romeoville, IL, provides Natural & Organic, Specialty & Gourmet, International & Multicultural and Fresh products to over 35,000 retail outlets throughout North America.
Source: KeHE Distributors, LLC
