European fresh produce company Total Produce has announced a 50% shareholding acquisition in the Canadian Gambles Group, the fourth North American investment for the Irish supplier. 

Making the announcement in a release, Total Produce says the Toronto-based Gambles Group is one of eastern Canada's premium produce companies with CAD$170 million (US$135 million) sales last year.

It offers a wide range of fresh, local and imported produce delivered throughout Ontario to retail, wholesale and food-service sectors and operates out of the Ontario Food Terminal and a state-of-the-art distribution facility.

"We are very pleased to become shareholders in the Gambles Group," Total Produce chairman Carl McCann says in the release.

"This transaction further broadens our North American operations. We look forward to working with the excellent people in Gambles over the coming years."

President Jeff Hughes and vice presidents Rob Giles, Rick Ashford and Richard Rose will remain as shareholders of Gambles and will continue as key members of the executive management team.

"Bringing Total Produce into our business will further strengthen what we have developed over many years," Hughes says in the release.

"We believe it is a combination that will benefit all stakeholders including our growers, suppliers, staff and, of course, our customers."

www.freshfruitportal.com