Harvest And Sherwood Food Distributors Merge

Posted by Kristen Cloud

Date: April 10, 2017

Jason Ishbia, Bobby Lipson, Howard Ishbia, Joel Ishbia and Mike Coggins of Sherwood Food Distributors during the Atlanta division's recent Spring Savings Booking Show.

Harvest Food Distributors and Sherwood Food Distributors have merged to form a nationwide protein and perishable food distribution network, servicing independent food retailers, regional and national chains, cruise lines and foodservice distributors from coast to coast.

The merger of Harvest Sherwood brings together two family-owned companies to serve as a single, trusted partner for producers and customers, according to the companies. While both businesses will retain their existing individual identities, their shared network of distribution routes and warehouses throughout the U.S. will allow Harvest and Sherwood to meet local needs reliably and frequently. Additionally, the company’s large national network will provide a platform for customer expansion and growth.

Harvest has 10 distribution centers and 12 sales offices serving more than 6,000 customers. The company currently ships 15 million pounds of product weekly on a fleet of more than 125 trucks. Sherwood has five distribution centers and nine sales offices servicing more than 6,000 customers.

“Both companies have a customer-first mindset and commitment to operating with integrity that makes this merger a perfect fit for all involved,” said Jay Leavy, CEO of San Diego-based Harvest Food Distributors. “With this merger, we can broaden our customer network and ultimately better serve everyone with an attractive product portfolio.”

Added Earl Ishbia, CEO of Detroit-based Sherwood Food Distributors, “Harvest and Sherwood will be national in scope but will continue to have the regional dedication to service and customer relationships that both companies were known for previously.”

There will be no immediate change in service to suppliers or customers and no staff reduction. The new organization’s executive leadership team will consist of Jay Leavy and Earl Ishbia serving as co-CEOs, and Kevin Leavy and Jason Ishbia serving as co-presidents.

Harvest and Sherwood will stock retailers throughout the perimeter of the store, including bakery, deli, meat and seafood departments. Offering commodities and branded products, the team has a history meeting the unique needs of niche markets, ethnic grocers and independent retailers of all sizes, and also offers marketing resources that help maximize grocery sales. The company will continue stocking foodservice operators, broadline distributors and cruise lines with protein and perishable products as well.