C&S Wholesale Grocers acquires FreshKO Produce Services

C&S Wholesale Grocers Inc. (C&S), Keene, N.H., said it acquired Fresno, Calif.-based FreshKO Produce Services Inc. The addition of FreshKO and its 142 employees to the C&S family of companies directly aligns with C&S’s commitment to expand its fresh and organic produce business and its continued emphasis on servicing independent retailers.

Founded in 2002 by Randal Shepherd and Manny Robles, FreshKO provides high-quality produce and comprehensive customer support to approximately 650 customers throughout Central and Northern California. Renowned for its high level of service and end-to-end expertise in the produce business, FreshKO is more than just a distribution company to its customers, C&S said.

“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, C&S. “The FreshKO team’s deep customer relationships and level of expertise in this market make this partnership ideal.”

C&S said the business will continue to operate under the respected FreshKO brand as a wholly owned subsidiary of C&S.