Shore Capital Partners Launches Produce One for Specialty Produce Distribution
Shore Capital Partners has officially launched Produce One, a new platform geared toward specialty produce distribution. This initiative comes through a strategic partnership with Premier ProduceOne and the acquisition of Native Maine Produce.
Strategic Integration of Distribution Networks
Produce One strategically combines Premier ProduceOne’s extensive distribution network across Ohio with Native Maine’s established presence in the Northeast, covering regions such as Maine, Connecticut, and New York. With plans to forge partnerships with additional produce companies, Shore Capital aims to enhance its market reach.
Foundation Companies
Founded in 1948 by the Pavlofsky family, Premier ProduceOne has a longstanding commitment to quality and service in the produce distribution space. Continuing to be led by the third and fourth generation of the Pavlofsky family, the firm serves a diverse clientele, including restaurants, healthcare providers, and educational institutions, from its headquarters in Columbus and facilities in Cleveland and Dayton.
Native Maine was established in 1999 in Westbrook, Maine, and has developed a reputation for distributing fresh produce and specialty foods to restaurant, institutional, and wholesale sectors through three business units: Native Maine, Carbonella & DeSarbo, and Brophy Brothers.
Leadership Insights
Jeff Smart, a partner at Shore Capital, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Gary and Ervin Pavlofsky to build a leading specialty produce distribution and processing business in the Midwest and Eastern United States. PPO and Native Maine have built impressive organizations grounded in customer service, consistent high quality, and competitive pricing.”
Tom Wienclaw has been appointed as CEO of Produce One, bringing over 20 years of experience in foodservice distribution to the role.
Growth Strategy
Produce One’s growth strategy encompasses investment in sales and marketing, procurement, technology systems, and enhancement of warehouse and distribution infrastructure. The company also aims to pursue inorganic growth through strategic acquisitions to expand its geographical footprint and product offerings.
Ervin Pavlofsky, a third-generation owner and business development leader at PPO, stated, “Our partnership with Shore Capital will allow us to accelerate our organic growth through new customer acquisition, product and category expansion, and exploring opportunities to support our current and future customers with value-added processing capabilities.”
About Shore Capital Partners
Shore Capital Partners is a private equity firm based in Chicago, with an additional office in Nashville. The firm focuses on investments in lower middle-market companies across various sectors, including healthcare, food and beverage, business services, industrial, and real estate industries.
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