C&S Acquiring FreshKO Produce Services

C&S Wholesale Grocers Inc. has acquired FreshKO Produce Services Inc., a distributor of produce and comprehensive customer support to about 650 central and northern California customers.

The addition of Fresno, Calif.-based FreshKO and its 142 employees “is directly aligned with C&S’ commitment to expand its fresh and organic produce business and its continued emphasis on servicing independent retailers,” the wholesaler noted. The business will continue to operate under the FreshKO brand as a wholly owned subsidiary of C&S.

“FreshKO has built a highly successful service model that supports retailers in providing their customers with the best produce the region has to offer at competitive prices,” said Rick Cohen, chairman and CEO of Keene, N.H.-based C&S. “The FreshKO team’s deep customer relationships and level of expertise in this market make this partnership ideal.”

The largest wholesale grocery supply company in the United States, C&S supplies around 6,500 independent supermarkets, chain stores, military bases, and institutions with 170,000-plus products.