Worldwide Produce (WWP), a portfolio company of industrial-focused private equity firm Sole Source Capital, has acquired Vision Produce (VP), a premier importer and distributor of fresh produce to US and Canadian markets. Terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.
Established in 1980 with facilities in both Los Angeles and Phoenix, Vision Produce is a fresh produce importer and distributor selling primarily to retail, wholesale, and foodservice distribution customers in the Western United States. The company offers a variety of produce including mangos, limes, melons, chili peppers and more, which are sourced primarily from Mexico and South America. Additionally, VP owns Southwest Truck Brokers, a Phoenix-based freight and logistics broker. VP will continue to operate with its well-known brand name under the leadership of Dan Lawton, President.
Worldwide Produce is one of the largest fresh produce and dairy distributors in Southern California. With a commitment to sourcing, handling, and storing all produce with the highest standards of safety, WWP has developed a strong reputation for providing high-quality produce and superior service levels to its customers.
“Vision Produce provides highly valued expertise and exposure to the retail and wholesale end markets,” says Dewey Turner III, Partner and President of Portfolio Operations for Sole Source Capital. “The combined reach and expertise of Worldwide and Vision will quickly create an industry leader, offering a broad product range and differentiated services across multiple market segments.”
“I’m thrilled that Vision Produce has joined the Worldwide family,” says Todd Ferguson, CEO of Worldwide Produce. “The team at Vision brings tremendous experience sourcing and importing quality produce and expertly serving their blue-chip customer base. With a location in Phoenix as well as Los Angeles, Vision’s footprint will allow us to continue to expand our reach and serve customers in this key growth market.”
“Worldwide Produce is an ideal partner to support the continued growth of Vision Produce. Connecting growers of the highest quality produce to customers is our shared mission,” says Bill Vogel, Chairman and CEO of Vision Produce. “The Vision team is excited to partner with both Worldwide and SSC in its next phase of growth, and we would like to thank the Sole Source team for its unwavering commitment to getting the transaction completed.”
