Mark Curran and Steve Birge. VBM file photo.
Vermont Business Magazine Chicago-based Reinhart Foodservice, LLC announced today that it has entered into an agreement with Earth Brothers, Ltd to purchase substantially all of the assets of the rapidly growing Black River Produce distribution business. Black River Produce is a multi-regional distributor serving more than 2,000 accounts across Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, Rhode Island and New York. Founded in 1978, Black River Produce is owned by Mark Curran and Steve Birge and is based in North Springfield, where it and the employees will remain under the Black River name. The acquisition further marks Reinhart’s commitment to the Vermont market following the opening of a new distribution center in Essex in 2014, and strengthens Reinhart’s position in the New England distribution area.
Financial terms were not released. According to Vermont Business Magazine, Reinhart employees 110 in Vermont and Black River Produce employs 187. Black River Produce is a Vermont 100 company and reported revenues in 2015 of $75.3 million, or more than double from 10 years ago. In September Black River received the KeyBank/VBM Growth Award for its performance over the last five years. The transaction is expected to close later this month.
“Black River Produce is a great company with strong management focused on delivering the highest quality local products and service to its customers. The Black River culture, product strategy as well as the proximity of its territory to key Reinhart markets, makes this acquisition a strong fit for both companies. We look forward to working with the team at Black River Produce to grow the business in the New England area and beyond,” said Jeff King President and Chief Operating Officer of Reinhart.
“Since we founded Black River Produce in 1978, we’ve prided ourselves on being the fresh connection for our customers across the markets we serve,” said Mark Curran and Steve Birge, co-founders of Black River Produce. “We are fully committed to our customers’ needs and providing them with the best locally-sourced products they can find. We are proud to join our operations with Reinhart so that we can combine their national leverage, supply chain expertise and operator solutions with our passion and focus on local solutions for our growing customer base.”
Curran subsequently told the Barre Montpelier Times-Argus that he and Birge will continue with the company, and that employment will stay the same, the name will stay the same and the facility in North Springfield will stay the same.
About Reinhart
Founded in 1972, Reinhart Foodservice, L.L.C. is one of the most progressive and efficient broadline foodservice distributors in the United States. The company provides fresh produce, proteins, ingredients, supplies and equipment to customers across the U.S. from 29 distribution centers. Reinhart serves every segment of the food industry from independent and chain restaurants to schools and healthcare facilities and is committed to the highest levels of customer service, providing its customers with menu planning assistance, nutrition services support, an extensive lending library, TRACS® Direct order entry and foodservice management software and training, weekly specials and educational seminars. Reinhart’s original mission of delivering exceptional high-quality products, personal service and value to its customers is stronger than ever today. To learn more about Reinhart please visit www.RFSDelivers.com.
ROSEMONT IL, October 14, 2016 – Reinhart Foodservice, LLC
