Charlie’s Produce, an employee-owned independent produce company that serves the U.S.'s West Coast has bought Better Life Organics (BLO), a Los Angeles-based distributor of organic produce and food products.

According to Charlie's Produce, this acquisition will allow it to develop deeper roots within the LA market. Additionally, it will enable the company to offer a broader breadth of products, including an extensive selection of premium organic fruits and vegetables from local growers and international market leaders.

“BLO has an excellent reputation in the Los Angeles market for providing high-quality products and service to customers,” says Jim McDonald, general manager of Charlie’s Produce Los Angeles.

“As a business focused on building fruitful and enduring relationships, we are pleased to have BLO’s talented team and loyal customers join the Charlie’s Produce family.”

Starting today, Charlie’s Produce will consolidate operations in their state-of-the-art facility located in Irwindale, CA.

There, the corporation says it will welcome executives Bill McCoy and German Ruiz to the team.

McCoy, who co-founded and led BLO as CEO, will join Charlie’s Produce in a sales development capacity. This way, he can further strengthen customer programs and provide a smooth transition for customers, the company notes.

Ruiz, who was BLO's second co-founder and serves as the distributor's president will focus on expanding partnerships within the organic grower community at the Irwindale facility, adds the company.

“We are happy to be combining with a respected and innovative company that aligns with our values and standards when it comes to fresh food distribution,” says McCoy.

“We look forward to continuing to serve the LA market and providing our customers with strengthened service and product offerings that help their businesses continue to thrive.”

Charlie Produce's enduring plan to expand

This purchase is just the latest expansion move for Charlie's Produce.

In fact, the company points out that it has expanded rapidly. Over the past five years, it has increased its services, produce processing, geographic extension and acquisition.

Specifically, the company opened a new distribution center in Los Angeles in 2015, entered the Boise, ID, market in 2017 through the purchase of Northwest Produce and increased its brokerage division (Charlie’s Produce Trading Company) representing growers throughout the West Coast.

Speaking on the significance behind the company's strategy, Jeremy Smith, president of Charlie's Produce, explains: “We are constantly seeking ways to improve our services on behalf of our customers and grower partners.  The addition of Better Life Organics brings more innovation, new products and a great team to our Los Angeles division.”