Louisiana wholesaler expands with acquisition of rival

Robertson Produce BB #:101876 of Monroe, LA, has acquired Santa Maria Wholesale Produce, Inc. BB #:102240, Shreveport, LA.

President Dan Robertson said the move makes the company stronger and dynamic, as it now becomes a member of Produce Alliance BB #:159218 through Santa Maria’s membership.

“Now with three locations and membership into Produce Alliance, this will allow us to take advantage of buying power when it comes to contracts, which will ultimately be great for our customers,” Robertson said.

He said Robertson Produce was well acquainted with Santa Maria and had worked together in the past and most of the staff will remain after the acquisition.

“Fortunately, only one has decided to retire,” Robertson said. “Santa Maria has an incredible team that is completely dedicated to quality and customer service. This falls right in line with the culture of Robertson Produce.”

Robertson Produce is a third-generation produce distributor which was established in 1947. Prior to this latest acquisition, it had two distribution centers, in Monroe, LA, and Clinton, MS, which each served about a 150-mile radius of customers, which includes North and Central Louisiana, East Texas, South Arkansas, and Mississippi.

In addition to providing fresh fruits and vegetables to foodservice, retail and institutional accounts, it sells dairy, herbs, spices, cheese and eggs.

Robertson says the business deal will bring a new level of enthusiasm and quality and service.

“Territories and efficiencies will be put in place to be able to expedite service to a level that no one can match,” he said.

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