Nickey Gregory Co. showcases expansion at IFPA

Nickey Gregory Co., a family-owned produce wholesaler and processor based in Forest Park, GA, recently used the IFPA Global Produce and Floral Show to welcome industry partners to its newly upgraded facilities. The event offered customers and vendors a glimpse into the company’s growth and diversified service offerings, all while celebrating its recent infrastructure updates.

As Andrew Scott, director of marketing and business development explained, the timing of the open house was ideal. “The IFPA was going to be right here in our backyard, so we wanted to do something to bring in our vendors and customers, give them a chance to check out our facilities.” Originally planned years ago but delayed due to COVID-19, this event now served as a much-anticipated showcase of the company’s renovations and the launch of its retail support division.

A large part of the company’s expansion is a significantly upgraded warehouse. The renovated facility in use since 2020, now boasts advanced infrastructure, including new condenser units and evaporators to maintain ideal quality conditions for fresh produce. “Nickey [Gregory] invested quite a bit, with new condenser units, evaporators — you name it. He painted the outside of the building first, then we started gutting and working on the inside,” said Scott. The expanded location includes 26 loading doors, greatly increasing capacity from their previous location and streamlining the company’s logistics.

A key development for Nickey Gregory Co. is the addition of a retail support division, a new direction for the company. “We’ve traditionally focused more on foodservice with our main clientele. Now, we’re trying to diversify, get more into retail, and stretch our wings a little bit,” Scott said. The transition required a significant investment, including a new fleet of trucks tailored for retail distribution. “These are International trucks... all with lift gates,” Scott noted, describing the specialized requirements of the retail market and the operational resources necessary to support it. The fleet expansion includes five trucks aimed at helping retail clients with timely and flexible deliveries.

This new retail division builds on the success of Family Fresh Foods, Nickey Gregory’s processing division. “About six years ago, we started a processing division, Family Fresh Foods, and opened another warehouse in the market. We saw a lot of growth with that, and now that’s really taken off,” shared Scott. With the momentum from Family Fresh Foods, expanding into retail became a natural next step, allowing the company to serve a broader client base.

The open house took place over two days, offering attendees tours of the upgraded facility, meetings with the team, and an on-site food truck to complete the experience. “We’re only about 15 minutes from the airport and 10 miles south of downtown, so we thought it’d be a great location for people to come visit us,” said Scott. The accessible location and ample loading space are testimony to the company’s commitment to efficient service and customer convenience.

The event provided a clear view of the company’s commitment to quality and customer-focused innovation. From a modest warehouse, Nickey Gregory has transformed into a multifaceted operation, meeting the evolving demands of both food service and retail. Through substantial investments in infrastructure and service diversity, the company stands ready to continue growing, offering clients a reliable and dynamic partnership.