National salad brand buys Columbia-based fresh food company

Fresh Express Inc., a California-based salad and fresh produce brand, has bought McEntire Produce Inc., a Columbia-based fresh-cut processor, repacker and wholesaler supplying the food service industry since 1938.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

This acquisition, confirmed by John P. Olivo, president of Fresh Express, and Carter McEntire, president and CEO of McEntire Produce, combines McEntire Produce’s food service capabilities with Fresh Express’s national retail supply footprint, according to a news release from the two companies.

This transaction will allow the newly formed Foodservice Division of Fresh Express under the McEntire Produce name, to expand its reach and offer a national food service solution while leveraging Fresh Express’s expertise in growing, harvesting, manufacturing, distribution and innovation, the news release stated. McEntire Produce will benefit from Fresh Express’s national platform, now with six plants across all regions of the country, access to an extensive grower network and advanced supply chain capabilities.

The shared goal is to continue to build upon long-standing key customer relationships, enhance Fresh Express’s commitment to reducing total food miles and carbon emissions while lowering route-to-market costs for McEntire Produce products and to identify opportunities for growth and expansion, the release said.

In March, McEntire Produce announced plans to build a new facility in Richland County, investing $26.2 million and creating 40 new jobs.

Related: West Columbia food distributor expanding operations

“We are pleased to announce the acquisition of McEntire Produce by Fresh Express,” Olivo said in the release. “This will significantly enhance our offerings and services to food service customers and consumers through increased investments in innovation, efficiencies and food safety, and we will undertake a seamless integration of the business’ strengths and employees.”

Carter McEntire has been appointed vice president of food service of Fresh Express.

“For 85 years, McEntire Produce has been operating its produce business and distribution fleet in Columbia, S.C., serving the local community and customers in more than 20 states across the East Coast,” he said in the release. “I am excited to continue growing the business in my new capacity of vice president of food service reporting to John Olivo,” Carter McEntire said. “We would like to especially extend our deepest appreciation to our dedicated employees for their valuable contribution over the years, which are the foundation on which we all have built this highly respected business.”

Both companies share a strong commitment to food safety, a core value at the very heart of their culture and operations, the release stated. By combining McEntire Produce’s Simply Clean wash system with Fresh Express’s advanced RFID-based food traceability technology, “the companies will further elevate their food safety programs, reinforcing their dedication to delivering superior products that build trust with consumers and customers alike,” the release stated.

North Inlet Advisors LLC acted as the exclusive financial advisor to McEntire Produce and its related entities in this transaction.