By Growers Express
Salinas, CA — Fresh on the heels of a June announcement that Growers Express had acquired Misionero Vegetables of Gonzales, Calif., they announced this week that they have also acquired long time Green Giant Fresh supplier and partner—Curran’s of Biddeford, Maine.
Both of these recent acquisitions will bring increased production, processing and distribution to this ever-expanding fresh vegetable grower/shipper, most notably with the addition of Misionero in the West and Curran’s on the East Coast.
Curran’s, formerly of Saco, Maine, has been a valued supplier of premium Green Giant Fresh value-added products since 2006, and has had a successful relationship with Growers Express since 2009. Jamie Strachan, CEO Growers Express said, “Curran’s commitment to the Green Giant Fresh program and the success of the brand made this a desirable partnership for us as we continue to expand Growers Express.”
Curran’s recently expanded its operation into a new 55,000-square-foot facility in Biddeford, Maine in the fall of 2015. This new state-of-the-art facility allows for substantial expansion of products and capacity for continued growth.
“The acquisition of this ideally located tried and true partner is strategically significant for us,” said Strachan. Continuing, “from their New England location, we will be able to reach 40 percent of the population of the United
States and Canada, as well as reduce lead times which will better ensure product quality and shelf life upon delivery.”
“Growers’ mission has them evolving into a next generation healthful foods company,” said Bert Roberge, new director of sales for Growers Express, “and our shared values of integrity, relationships and teamwork are a perfect fit.” Already acting as an extension of the industry leader, this new acquisition helps poise Growers Express for continued customer service and growth into the future.
Roberge concluded, “We are thrilled to join forces with Growers; it’s an honor to represent—and officially join—a company with such focus on quality, exceptional customer service and proven industry leadership as their East Coast division.”
About Growers Express
Founded in 1987, Growers Express is comprised of eight produce growers whose farming practices and standards, combined with their generations of experience and passion for farming, have contributed to making Growers Express one of the nation’s industry-leading suppliers of premium fresh produce. Headquartered in Salinas Valley—known as the “salad bowl of the world”—our total year-round ground base exceeds 40,000 acres. Our continually evolving and innovative line includes 40+ commodities, value-added products, bunching items, meal solutions, fresh herbs and a new organic line in 2015 under the banner Farm Day Organic.