Tree of Life Canada acquires Northbud

Tree of Life Canada (TOLC) announces its acquisition of Northbud Distributors, a recognized leader in the food distribution and brokerage business in Canada for over 40 years. The agreement became effective August 19, 2013, and will dramatically increase TOLC’s frozen and refrigerated capabilities for retail, as well as its food service products. The enhanced capabilities of TOL will complement current TOLC products of Premium Taste, Ethnic, Natural, Perishable and Food Service brands.

Peter Clarke, vice president of sales and marketing for Northbud stated “This is an opportunity for our vendor partners to reach more doors across Canada and to increase and strengthen our sales support throughout the country.” Clarke will be joining TOLC as the vice president and general manager of Northbud.

Northbud Distributors will be merged into the TOLC business over the next 12 months. All Northbud trade programs and terms will remain in place during this transition.

“We’re very excited to welcome Peter Clarke and the Northbud team into the Tree of Life family,” stated Jamie Moody, president of Tree of Life Canada. “Tree of Life's strategy is to offer class leading category expertise in our specialty categories.  The addition of the Northbud portfolio gives us greater presence in the perimeter of the store categories that continue to experience high growth,” continued Moody.

KeHE Distributors (TOLC’s parent company) President and Chief Executive Officer Brandon Barnholt added, “We are extremely excited about this acquisition as it is a perfect complement to our existing Canadian portfolio. The purchase is consistent with our growth strategy across North America.”

Northbud’s primary focus is on the distribution of refrigerated and frozen value-added meat, poultry and deli products and other grocery products. Northbud represents principals including Kraft Foods, Buddig, Hillshire Brands, and Advance Pierre Foods. Look for this acquisition to complement TOLC product offerings while also providing new National Key Account, DSD and logistical coverage in Canada.