Western Sky Produce Joins FreshEdge
Combination boosts procurement capabilities and expands footprint to the West Coast
Chicago, Ill., July 18, 2024 – FreshEdge, a super-regional distributor of customized fresh food solutions backed by Wind Point Partners (“Wind Point”), acquired Western Sky Produce (“Western Sky”), a fresh produce service provider headquartered in Salinas, Calif. Western Sky was established in March 2020 by Wyatt Meiggs and Phil Giles, two colleagues who shared a passion for fresh produce and servicing the complex supply chain of the industry. By combining their industry experience and history of cultivating solid grower-shipper relationships, their goal was to develop procurement solutions that would help customers effectively navigate the perishable supply chain. Today, Western Sky specializes in creating customized programs that incorporate all aspects of the produce industry including procurement, distribution, logistics, and consolidation.
Western Sky operates near the “Salad Bowl of the World” – key agricultural land and growers in Salinas Valley, Calif. that supply a large percentage of the U.S. produce consumed each year. The acquisition allows FreshEdge to further develop its vertical integration strategy by significantly strengthening consolidated procurement and buying capabilities.
“Western Sky Produce will be an amazing addition to our growing family of customer-obsessed companies,” said Steve Grinstead, CEO of FreshEdge. “We share the same company values centered around integrity, service and making our customers the number one priority.”
“We proudly welcome Wyatt, Phil and their outstanding team to FreshEdge,” said Greg Corsaro, President and COO of FreshEdge. “We look forward to working together to continue providing excellent service to all Western Sky and FreshEdge customers.”
“We strongly believe in the power of synergy and are eager to begin working alongside FreshEdge,” said Wyatt Meiggs, President of Western Sky Produce. “Together, we will strive for increased efficiency, sustainable growth and seamless collaboration to drive innovation and success for our customers.”
“We are thrilled to be joining forces with FreshEdge and look forward to this new era of growth and success for Western Sky,” said Phil Giles, COO of Western Sky Produce.
Joe Lawler, Managing Director with Wind Point Partners, added, “Western Sky is an exciting strategic acquisition that enhances FreshEdge’s sourcing capabilities. We are excited to partner with the team at Western Sky.”
Wind Point Partners acquired FreshEdge in October 2022 in partnership with CEO Steve Grinstead and President & COO, Greg Corsaro, two veterans in the fresh produce distribution space. This acquisition represents the sixth acquisition under Wind Point’s ownership. FreshEdge’s acquisition strategy will continue to focus on acquiring fresh food distribution companies with high quality produce and specialty food products along with exceptional service and a strong brand reputation. Geographically, FreshEdge is focused on both new and existing geographies, including the Midwest, Southeast and Southwest U.S.