Columbia Welcomes Fresh Express Acquisition of McEntire Produce, Promising Local Food Growth

Exciting News for Columbia: A New Chapter for Fresh Food!

Columbia, South Carolina, is abuzz with enthusiasm as McEntire Produce Inc., a beloved local fixture since 1938, has been acquired by Fresh Express Inc., a prominent national salad brand based in California. Although the specific terms of the deal haven’t been disclosed, the implications for both the local community and the larger fresh food market are charmingly promising.

A Fresh Partnership

According to a press release from the two companies, this partnership blends the talents and strengths of McEntire Produce with the extensive national retail presence of Fresh Express. This exciting combination will lead to the creation of a brand-new division dubbed the Foodservice Division of Fresh Express, operating under the McEntire name. No doubt, this merger is set to significantly amplify their reach across the nation while providing more options for food service customers.

The president of Fresh Express, John P. Olivo, expressed his excitement over the acquisition, stating, “We are pleased to announce the acquisition of McEntire Produce by Fresh Express. This will significantly enhance our offerings and services.” He mentioned that the partnership would steer investments towards improving innovation, efficiency, and food safety—three elements that are more important than ever in today’s food landscape.

Continuing a Legacy

When you think about McEntire Produce, it’s nothing short of a community staple. For 85 years, this company has been serving the Columbia area, distributing fresh produce to clients in over 20 states along the East Coast. Carter McEntire, the president and CEO of McEntire Produce, is stepping into the newly created role of Vice President of Food Service at Fresh Express. He expressed his delight in the new adventure, emphasizing the importance of the dedicated staff behind the company’s success. “We would like to especially extend our deepest appreciation to our dedicated employees for their valuable contribution over the years,” he said.

Exciting Growth Ahead

This acquisition comes on the heels of McEntire Produce’s recent announcement about plans for a new facility in Richland County, with an exciting $26.2 million investment aimed at creating 40 fresh jobs. The future looks bright as the collaboration with Fresh Express is predicted to open up even more opportunities for growth.

Both companies are passionately committed to food safety—a core value that remains crucial in their operations. By merging McEntire Produce’s Simply Clean wash system with Fresh Express’s advanced RFID-based food traceability technology, they aim to elevate their food safety programs. It’s all about making sure consumers can trust what they’re putting on their plates!

What This Means for Local Consumers

With the backing of Fresh Express’s national platform that includes six plants spread across various regions of the country, local consumers can anticipate an enriched selection of fresh food options, many of which we hope will be inspired by local flavors. Both companies are keen on lowering the route-to-market costs for McEntire products, which means fresher produce might be on your tables sooner than you think!

The Road Ahead

As Columbia embraces this new chapter, excitement fills the air! Whether you’re a loyal customer of McEntire Produce or a fan of Fresh Express salads, this partnership promises delightful outcomes ahead. To everyone involved in the fresh food journey—this is a moment to celebrate!

So, let’s raise a salad bowl to the future of food service in Columbia and beyond! We can’t wait to see how this dynamic duo will transform our grocery aisles with fresh produce and innovative solutions that keep us healthy and happy.