A.V. Thomas merges with Dallas Distributing
A.V. Thomas Produce Inc. entered into a definitive merger agreement with Dallas Distributing, a long-standing part of the California sweet potato industry. This follows the company's successful merger with Yagi Brothers Produce in February.
Livingston, CA-based A.V. Thomas Produce Inc. is a family-owned-and-operated company that was founded in 1960 by Antonio Vieira Tomas, the uncle of current owner Manuel E. Vieira. Today the third generation of leadership continues with its Vice President Carlos Vieira.
The Dallas family — headed by Ted Sr. with sons Ted Jr. and Bob — started growing sweet potatoes in Livingston in the late 1940s under the T. Dallas & Sons label. Fast forward to 1988 when Bob and his sons established Dallas Distributing, growing, packing and shipping sweet potatoes throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe. Niece Diane Dallas (Ted Jr.’s daughter) joined the company in 1998.
After years of managing and taking care of many responsibilities for the company, Diane has decided to lessen her day-to-day obligations to enjoy more time with her family. This merger with Dallas Distributing, which is based in Livingston, further strengthens A.V.'s position as one of largest grower-packer-shippers in California. The addition of Dallas Distributing’s experienced production crews, office staff, existing operation capabilities, and storage capacity will provide new and existing clients with exceptional product availability throughout the year.
"We will work closely with Dallas Distributing’s existing clients, partners, and employees to make the integration process as smooth as possible," the company said. Dallas Distributing sales will be transitioned to the A.V. Thomas Produce Inc. sales office. Shipping will be consolidated at its primary production facility located in Atwater, CA.
The merger of both companies will take place over the next week.
We will continue to operate as A.V. Thomas Produce Inc. and Dallas Distributing will be discontinued on June 12; however, Dallas Distributing’s current labels and packaging options will continue to be available thru A.V. Thomas Produce Inc.
