LIVINGSTON, CA - A merger is afoot. A.V. Thomas Produce recently entered into a definitive merger agreement with Yagi Brothers Produce, one of the original sweet potato growers, packers, and shippers in California.
“This merger with Yagi Brothers Produce, based in Livingston, California, further strengthens our position as the largest grower/packer/shipper in California. The addition of Yagi Brothers Produce’s experienced staff, acreage, and proprietary varieties, along with our existing production and operations capabilities, farming acreage, and storage capacity will provide our new and existing clients with exceptional product availability throughout the year,” the company stated in its release. “This partnership is also expected to result in greater efficiencies and significantly increase our market share throughout North America.”
As one of the leading suppliers of fresh conventional and certified organic sweet potatoes in North and Central America, A.V. Thomas Produce started its roots in Livingston, California. Founder Antonio Vieira Tomas began growing sweet potatoes there in 1960.
Yagi Brothers Produce grows, packs, and ships fresh organic and conventional sweet potatoes from Livingston. The company first began in 1947 as a family-run farm that was started by three brothers who, like so many other immigrants, wanted to chase the American dream and be able to provide for their families, noted the release.
The agreement will bring both A.V. Thomas and Yagi Brothers Produce together, merging existing clients, partners, and employees to make the integration process as smooth as possible. Yagi Brothers Produce will move its existing sales, packing, and shipping team to A.V. Thomas’ headquarters located at 3900 Sultana Dr. Atwater, California 95301.
While the merger of both companies finalizes within the next few days, the companies are now working under the A.V. Thomas Produce brand; Yagi Brothers Produce’s sweet potatoes, current brands, and packaging options will continue to be available through A.V. Thomas Produce.
To learn more about our industry’s movements, keep an eye out for ANUK.
