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Castellini Co. acquires Atlanta-based General Produce, expands into Southeast

The Castellini Co. announced its acquisition of General Produce Inc., effectively extending the Cincinnati-based perishable distribution company’s reach into the Southeastern part of the U.S.

General Produce, located in greater Atlanta, is one of the larger produce distribution businesses in the South, with a distribution system that reaches throughout the Southeast. The Castellini Group of Cos., located in greater Cincinnati, is one of the larger distributors of fresh produce in the United States. With the acquisition of General Produce, the Castellini Group of Cos. will increase its distribution in the eastern half of the U.S.

The Castellini Group of Cos. offers a full spectrum of fresh fruits and vegetables and value-added services, which include a complete line of organic produce, fresh-cut processing, tomato repacking and transportation for its retail, foodservice and wholesale customers.

“This acquisition allows us to better serve our current customers and continues our growth strategy by opening up new markets,” Bill Schuler, president and chief executive officer of the Castellini Group of Cos., said in a press release. “General Produce has a stellar reputation for customer service and is a top tier perishable distribution operation. The Folds and Springfield families have built this company into a great business with great people. The name, General, is synonymous with excellent produce distribution in the Southeast. We are pleased to welcome them into the Castellini Group of Companies.”

“Founder Hiram Folds, who just recently passed away, together with his son, Calvin, and daughter, Jeannie Springfield, built General Produce into the business it is today," Randy Lineberger, executive vice president and general manager of General Produce, said in the release. "They always led by example and instilled a great sense of company pride, intense customer focus, resourcefulness and loyalty into all of General's employees. These attributes are solidly in place as we join forces with the Castellini Group and all the group has to offer. It is a very exciting opportunity for all of our employees, our customers and our suppliers."

General Produce will continue to operate under its current name and brand.

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