By Business & Finance 
Fresh produce company Total Produce has announced that it has acquired a 65% equity stake in Progressive Produce, a distributor of conventional and organic produce headquartered in Los Angeles, California.
Progressive Produce was founded in 1967 and today is one of California’s premier produce companies with 2015 sales in excess of $200m, employing 214 people.
The company offers a wide range of fresh, domestic, local and imported produce and specialises in the year-round supply of fresh fruits and vegetables. The business serves its customers from four strategically located distribution facilities in California and Washington.
Total Produce is Ireland’s largest fresh produce provider supplying the complete range of fresh fruits and vegetables to the retail, wholesale and foodservice sectors.
Commenting on the transaction, Carl McCann, chairman of Total Produce said: “We are delighted to become co-owners in Progressive Produce. This transaction with a leading California produce company further broadens our US operations and is in line with our strategy. We look forward to working with the excellent people in Progressive Produce as it continues to develop its very successful business expansion in future years.”
Jim Leimkuhler president of Progressive Produce added: “We are very pleased and excited to join with Total Produce. This transaction will further strengthen the business we have developed and grown over many years. We believe this is an excellent long-term combination of skills and expertise that will benefit all stakeholders, including our growers, our suppliers, our people and our customers.”
