Midwest Foods Expands Culinary Portfolio With Acquisition of Spiceland

Chicago-based distributor adds heritage spice blender to deepen chef partnerships and diversify its ingredient offerings 

Chicago, IL – Midwest Foods, Chicago’s women-owned, locally and family-operated produce distributor, announced the acquisition of Spiceland, a heritage spice blending company with decades of expertise sourcing and crafting distinctive flavors for chefs and foodservice professionals nationwide. 

“Spiceland’s long history of quality and culinary expertise makes it a natural fit within the Midwest Foods’ specialty product line,” said Erin Fitzgerald, President and Owner of Midwest Foods. “This acquisition reflects our continued commitment to serving our chef partners in new ways—by pairing the freshness and integrity of our produce with specialty ingredients that inspire creativity and consistency across the menu.” 

“As someone focused on sourcing specialty ingredients, I see this as an opportunity to dive deep into the origins of flavor and menu development,” said John Fitzgerald, brother to Erin, and leader of Midwest Foods’ specialty ingredient procurement. “Working alongside my nephew, Grant Fitzgerald, to bring Spiceland into the fold underscores how our family continues to grow the company together—both in people and in purpose. Spiceland’s blending expertise will allow us to deliver custom flavor solutions and new levels of convenience that will complement everything in the kitchen.” 

Founded in 1984, Spiceland has been trusted by chefs and foodservice professionals for its carefully curated blends and specialty spices. Midwest Foods plans to honor Spiceland’s legacy while introducing a refreshed brand identity in the coming months.  

All existing Spiceland customers will continue to receive the same quality products and personalized service they’ve come to expect, now backed by Midwest Foods’ expanded distribution network and food safety infrastructure. 

“Spiceland has always been built on relationships – understanding our customers’ needs and creating blends that help them stand out,” said Jim Stockwell, founder of Spiceland. “As Doris and I step into this next chapter, we’re proud to see that same commitment reflected in Midwest Foods. We know our customers will be in excellent hands with a company that values quality, partnership, and innovation as deeply as we always have.” 

With this acquisition, Midwest Foods continues to advance its mission of supporting chefs, strengthening local food systems, and driving innovation across the hospitality industry. For more than two decades, the company has distributed produce throughout Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and most recently Michigan. Midwest Foods also distributes Edible Cuts, which manufactures pre-cut produce and premium grab-and-go items in-house, further enhancing its chef-driven convenience and quality offerings. 

ABOUT MIDWEST FOODS 
Midwest Foods is Chicago’s WBENC-certified, women-, locally-, and family-owned food distributor, proudly serving chefs and culinary professionals across Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan. With a strong focus on community, service, and commitment, Midwest Foods provides fresh, sustainable solutions tailored to the evolving needs of the foodservice industry. The company is dedicated to supporting underrepresented local-, diverse-, and family-owned businesses, while also sourcing beyond the region when needed to ensure consistency, quality, and availability year-round. Midwest Foods offers chef-driven convenience items and labor-saving ingredients, backed by more than 150,000 square feet of facility space in Chicago and Kenosha. Its SQF-certified processing rooms and full prep kitchen ensure food safety, consistency, and efficiency from farm to plate. Learn more at midwestfoods.com and follow Midwest Foods on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.