MINNETONKA, Minn. — Tonka Bay Equity Partners announced the sale of Freshpack Produce, Inc. (“Freshpack”) to Creation Gardens, Inc. (d/b/a What Chefs Want).
Based in Denver, Colorado, Freshpack is a leading independent specialty food distributor in the Mountain West region. What Chefs Want, headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, is a foodservice distributor offering chefs and restaurateurs easy access to fresh meat, seafood, produce, gourmet items and more, throughout the Midwestern and Southeastern United States.
Tonka Bay acquired Freshpack from its founder in 2010. During Tonka Bay’s investment, the management team and IT infrastructure were significantly enhanced, and a large multi-channel customer base was developed in high growth markets. Tonka Bay’s investment in Freshpack leveraged Tonka Bay’s prior experience in specialty distribution businesses.
“When looking at What Chefs Want’s product and service offerings, it is a great fit for the future of Freshpack, allowing us the ability to expand our offerings with our substantial customer base and new customers that are seeking superior quality products and improved and flexible services,” said Dave Distel, CEO of Freshpack.
Peter Kooman, Tonka Bay Partner and Freshpack Chairman stated, “Freshpack’s broad customer base and product portfolio was an ideal fit for What Chefs Want. Combined, they are well positioned for continued success in the rapidly growing Colorado market.”
About Freshpack
Freshpack is a leading independent specialty food distributor of quality conventional, organic, and local fresh produce and other food products to a large, multi-channel customer base throughout Colorado. For additional information on Freshpack, please visit the company’s website at freshpackproduce.com.
About Tonka Bay Equity Partners
Based in Minnetonka, Minnesota, Tonka Bay Equity Partners is a private equity firm that acquires and invests in growth-oriented businesses in the highly engineered manufacturing, business services and value-added distribution sectors. For more information, visit tonkabayequity.com.
