Tree of Life Canada Acquires Northbud Distributors

Tree of Life Canada (TOLC) has purchased Northbud Distributors, a food distribution and brokerage business in Canada, in an agreement that will dramatically increase TOLC’s frozen and refrigerated capabilities for retail, as well as its food service products.

“This is an opportunity for our vendor partners to reach more doors across Canada and to increase and strengthen our sales support throughout the country,” said Peter Clarke, VP of sales for Northbud, who will be joining TOLC as the VP and GM, Northbud.

Northbud Distributors will be merged into the TOLC business over the next 12 months. All Northbud trade programs and terms will remain in place during the transition.

“We’re very excited to welcome Peter Clarke and the Northbud team into the Tree of Life family,” said Jamie Moody, president of TOLC. “Tree of Life's strategy is to offer class leading category expertise in our specialty categories. The addition of the Northbud portfolio gives us greater presence in the perimeter of the store categories that continue to experience high growth.”

KeHE Distributors (TOLC’s parent company) president and CEO, Brandon Barnholt, added: “This acquisition is a perfect complement to our existing Canadian portfolio. The purchase is consistent with our growth strategy across North America.”

Northbud’s primary focus is on the distribution of refrigerated and frozen value-added meat, poultry and deli products, representing principals including Kraft Foods, Buddig, Hillshire Brands and Advance Pierre Foods. According to TOLC, this acquisition will complement its existing product offerings while also providing new National Key Account, DSD and logistical coverage in Canada.

Romeoville, Ill.-based KeHE Distributors, LLC provides natural and organic, specialty and gourmet, international and multicultural, and fresh products.