US-based fresh produce business Taylor Farms has bought the assets of local foodservice supplier Club Chef from the Castellini Group of Companies, it has announced.

Financial details have not been disclosed.

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Operating since 1978, Club Chef has grown from a small local processor into one of the largest regional processors in the country.

Salinas, California-based Taylor – which has done the deal through its Taylor Fresh Foods arm – said it has bought “substantially all assets” of Club Chef in its Covington, Kentucky, base.

The Covington facility will continue full operations under the leadership of the Taylor Farms Tennessee operating company. 

Bruce Taylor, chairman and CEO of Taylor Farms, said: “Club Chef has a long history of leadership in the foodservice fresh-cut vegetable industry,”

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“We are honoured to complete this transaction and establish a distribution partnership with the Castellini company.” 

Brian Kocher, CEO of the Castellini Group of Companies, said: “This transaction provides a wonderful opportunity for our employees and customers who are joining Taylor Fresh Foods and allows us to be singularly focused on growing in areas of the produce supply chain where Castellini has, for over 120 years, provided great value to its customers.

“Castellini Group of Companies looks forward to the expanded relationship with Taylor Farms and overwhelming our current and prospective customers with the value that we can provide.” 

In April, Taylor Farms bought the Earthbound Farm organic salads business from French dairy giant Danone.

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