FRISCO, Texas — National Pecan announced the acquisition of Poulan Pecan Company of Poulan, Georgia. The purchase, which includes the Poulan Pecan Company processing facility and brand, is the first of its kind for National Pecan and is a major milestone toward the company’s vertical integration goals.
“At National Pecan, we feel very positive about the future of the U.S. pecan industry. As such, we are delighted with the purchase of Poulan Pecan Company,” said David Lawrence, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), National Pecan. “Our company has already purchased significant pecan acreage, so acquiring a high-efficiency processing facility is a strategic move for our aggressive expansion plans.”
“Shelling is the next major step in the pecan supply chain after production, so establishing a footprint in shelling is the logical progression in the National Pecan vertical integration strategy,” added Lawrence.
National Pecan Poised for Additional Growth
“We are deeply committed to investing —and re-investing — in the U.S. pecan industry,” said Steve Zaffarano, Chief Operating Officer, National Pecan. “We are exceptionally optimistic about the growth potential of domestic and international pecans, and we are ready to be a major driver of that growth.”
National Pecan is actively pursuing the purchase of other facilities, along with additional acreage in the southeast, southwest and western United States.
Poulan Pecan Company Offers Strong Strategic Fit for National Pecan The Poulan Pecan Company is ideally located in the heart of the country’s leading pecan-producing state. The processing facility employs 50 full-time staff and provides bulk-packaged pecan kernels for global ingredient, bakery, wholesale and retail customers. The facility also has roasting and value-added processing capabilities.
“The investment of resources and capital by National Pecan in Poulan Pecan Company will allow for accelerated growth of the supplier base, in addition to supporting existing and new customers,” said Lawrence.
Jess Harrell, President and CEO of Poulan Pecan Company, will remain in his current role. Harrell established Poulan Pecan Company in 2009. A deeply tenured pecan industry expert, he has more than 35 years of direct operational and management experience within the pecan industry. Harrell will play a pivotal role in the National Pecan operations at the Poulan-based facility moving forward.
About National Pecan
Headquartered in Frisco, Texas, National Pecan is building North America’s leading diversified and fully integrated grower, accumulator, processor and marketer of pecans. National Pecan provides both in-shell and shelled pecans and pecan-based products around the world. The company is expanding its asset base and is an active buyer of both orchards and processing facilities. National Pecan also acquires in-shell pecans from third-party growers to complement its in-house production. Visit www.nationalpecan.com for additional information.
Source: National Pecan
