VINELAND, NJ - Dandrea Produce Inc. has officially received a Letter of Intent from the Montreal, Quebec-based Routhier family of Courchesne Larose Ltd. to acquire 50 percent of the grower and importer company.
“Our family could not be happier with the terms of the agreement offered by the Routhier family,” Frank Dandrea, President of Dandrea Produce, said in a press release. “The negotiations with Courchesne were seamless and exceedingly pleasant. Our synergistic strategies with them enable us to now service the entire eastern seaboard, including Canada. Courchesne Larose is a tremendously respected company and their association with Dandrea Produce will enrich us globally.”
Courchesne Larose is currently being run by the third and fourth generations of the family, having company roots that date back to 1918.
“The passion of Dandrea Produce mirrors our family’s long tradition in Canada,” Michel Routhier stated proudly. “Dandrea shares our vision for a vertically integrated, field to table farming model.”
Dandrea Produce is similarly operated, having been established in 1917 and currently owned and operated by the fourth generation of the family. Its business of 150 employees will now partner with Courchesne Larose’s over 400 employees, located worldwide.
According to the release, each has unique, strategic alliances with growers around the world and builds meaningful relationships with their partners.
“Our family’s investments nationally and internationally have always been examined by these questions: How can we better serve our customers? How can we eliminate excess costs? How can we add value to our retail partners? Courchesne Larose unequivocally helps us on our mission to achieve our joint ideals worldwide,” Dandrea stated.
This new group of companies is projected to generate more than $600 million in annual revenues.
“We have been looking long and hard for a partner who could enhance our global presence and Dandrea is that partner,” Routhier said.
The companies are confident that the partnership will enhance Dandrea’s capabilities to expand their procurement base, as well as streamlining its vessel shipments and have better control over its product on a worldwide scale.
