Columbia’s Longstanding Produce Company Finds a New Home with Fresh Express
Hey there, Columbia residents! We’ve got some juicy news for you: Fresh Express Inc., the well-known California-based salad brand, has just wrapped up a deal to purchase our very own McEntire Produce Inc. This move marks an exciting new chapter for both companies!
A Slice of History
For those unfamiliar with McEntire Produce, allow us to take a trip down memory lane. This beloved business has been serving the Columbia community since 1938. For 85 years, they’ve provided high-quality fresh-cut produce, along with repacking and wholesaling services to the food industry. It’s safe to say that they have a strong foothold not just in Columbia but across 20 states all the way down the East Coast.
The Big Deal
While the exact terms of the acquisition weren’t disclosed, John P. Olivo, president of Fresh Express, and Carter McEntire, president and CEO of McEntire Produce, confirmed that combining forces will enhance the overall offerings for both businesses. According to a recent press release, this acquisition will kickstart the new Foodservice Division of Fresh Express under the McEntire name, expanding access to national food service solutions.
What does this mean for the Columbia community? Well, it opens opportunities for enhanced innovation, efficiency, and improved food safety. With Fresh Express’s already-established network of six plants across the nation, McEntire will now be able to leverage this national platform. Plus, the access to an extensive grower network is bound to facilitate even fresher produce reaching our local tables!
Future Plans and Community Impact
In March, McEntire Produce announced a $26.2 million investment to build a new facility in Richland County, creating around 40 new jobs. This newly formed partnership with Fresh Express is expected to complement those efforts, focusing on enhancing key customer relationships. The aim is to continue reducing food miles and carbon emissions while cutting delivery costs for customers.
Carter McEntire has been named the new Vice President of Food Service at Fresh Express. He expressed his excitement about leading the business into this new venture. “I look forward to continuing to grow the business while honoring the legacy built by so many dedicated employees,” he stated in the release.
Commitment to Food Safety
Both companies share a strong commitment to food safety, one of the core values at the heart of their operations. By merging McEntire’s Simply Clean wash system with Fresh Express’s sophisticated RFID-based food traceability technology, they aim to elevate their food safety programs even further. This means fresher, safer food options for all of us!
What Lies Ahead
As we all know, change can be daunting, but it often brings growth and improvement. McEntire Produce’s longstanding relationship with the community ensures that, even under new management, their commitment to quality and service will remain. Residents can expect an even broader selection of fresh produce options thanks to this partnership.
This merger is about more than just business; it’s about community development and enhancing the local food ecosystem. With a focus on sustainability and safety, Fresh Express and McEntire Produce are poised to set a new standard in the industry.
So, let’s raise our salads to our local heroes at McEntire Produce as they embark on this exciting journey with Fresh Express. Cheers to fresh beginnings in Columbia! Stay tuned for more news on how this partnership unfolds and what it means for our community’s dining tables!
