GREENLEAF, A CHEFS' WAREHOUSE COMPANY, IS NOW DISTRIBUTING PRODUCE TO CHEFS' WAREHOUSE CUSTOMERS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Rhea-AI Summary

The Chefs' Warehouse (NASDAQ:CHEF) has announced the expansion of its produce distributor, GreenLeaf, into Southern California, extending services to Los Angeles, San Diego, and Santa Barbara areas. This expansion follows the company's acquisition of GreenLeaf on May 1, 2023, and is part of their strategy to grow in the fresh category.

The move enables Chefs' Warehouse customers in Southern California to order specialty foods and premium produce from a single source, with daily delivery options including farm-direct specialty produce and organics. GreenLeaf, established in 1976, has been a leading produce distributor in Northern California, known for sourcing from local, sustainable farms.

The Chefs' Warehouse currently distributes over 55,000 products to more than 35,000 customers, sourcing from over 2,000 artisan producers across 40 countries.

Positive

• Geographic expansion into Southern California market
• Integration of GreenLeaf acquisition expanding product offerings
• Enhanced one-stop-shop capability for customers
• Daily delivery service implementation in new markets

Negative

• None.

Insights

Market Expansion Analyst

The strategic expansion of GreenLeaf into Southern California marks a significant operational milestone for Chefs' Warehouse, demonstrating effective execution of their acquisition integration strategy. This move addresses a important market gap in the Los Angeles, San Diego and Santa Barbara regions, which collectively represent one of the largest foodservice markets in the United States.

The expansion carries several strategic advantages: First, it optimizes the company's distribution network by leveraging existing infrastructure and relationships established through the May 2023 acquisition. Second, it strengthens CHEF's competitive moat by offering an integrated solution for specialty foods and premium produce, a combination that creates significant barriers to entry for smaller competitors.

From an operational perspective, this expansion should drive meaningful synergies through:

• Enhanced purchasing power with suppliers
• Improved fleet utilization and logistics efficiency
• Consolidated ordering systems for customers
• Streamlined inventory management across regions

The timing is particularly strategic as it capitalizes on the growing demand for high-quality, locally-sourced produce in the premium restaurant sector. By extending GreenLeaf's established reputation for quality and service into Southern California, CHEF is well-positioned to capture market share in a region known for its robust culinary scene and high-end dining establishments.

GreenLeaf now delivers the highest quality produce to foodservice businesses, provides best-in-class service, and supports family-owned farms in Los Angeles, San Diego and Santa Barbara areas.

WALNUT, Calif., Jan. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHEF), a premier distributor of specialty food products, is proud to announce it is expanding its Northern California produce distributor, GreenLeaf, to service Chefs' Warehouse customers in Southern California. This regional growth is part of the company's planned expansion in the fresh category and offers Chefs Warehouse customers in the area access to the highest quality produce available. 

"We are thrilled to bring in GreenLeaf to oversee our produce distribution," says Justin Lawson, Regional Vice President, Southwest at Chefs. "We saw the need for customers to be able to order the finest specialty foods and produce all in one place. Now we can offer an expanded selection of produce items stocked for daily delivery, including farm-direct specialty produce and organics."

The Chefs Warehouse acquired GreenLeaf on May 1, 2023. "The acquisition was a testament to our commitment to be a one-stop-shop for chefs worldwide," said James Leddy, CFO of The Chefs' Warehouse. "By providing our customers with access to a wider range of specialty products, we are well-positioned to expand our reach and capture new market opportunities."

About GreenLeaf

GreenLeaf is the leading produce distributor in Northern California. Since 1976, they have built a reputation for delivering the highest-quality produce available, sourced seasonally from local, sustainable farms, and providing best-in-class service to a wide range of businesses in the food service industry.

About The Chefs' Warehouse
The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. (http://www.chefswarehouse.com) is a premier distributor of specialty food products in the United States, Canada, and Middle East focused on serving the specific needs of chefs who own and/or operate some of the nation's leading menu-driven independent restaurants, fine dining establishments, country clubs, hotels, caterers, culinary schools, bakeries, patisseries, chocolatiers, cruise lines, casinos and specialty food stores. The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. carries and distributes more than 55,000 products to more than 35,000 customers from over 2,000 artisan producers from over 40 countries.

Media Contact: Leslie Pave
Telephone: 510-333-3213
Email: lpave@greenleafsf.com
Website: www.greenleafproduce.com 

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SOURCE GreenLeaf, A Chefs' Warehouse Company

FAQ

When did Chefs' Warehouse (CHEF) expand GreenLeaf operations to Southern California?

Chefs' Warehouse announced the expansion of GreenLeaf operations to Southern California on January 28, 2025, serving Los Angeles, San Diego, and Santa Barbara areas.

When did Chefs' Warehouse (CHEF) acquire GreenLeaf?

Chefs' Warehouse acquired GreenLeaf on May 1, 2023.

What regions does GreenLeaf now serve for Chefs' Warehouse (CHEF)?

GreenLeaf serves both Northern and Southern California, including Los Angeles, San Diego, and Santa Barbara areas.

How many products and customers does Chefs' Warehouse (CHEF) currently serve?

Chefs' Warehouse distributes over 55,000 products to more than 35,000 customers, sourcing from over 2,000 artisan producers across 40 countries.

What new services will Southern California customers get from CHEF's GreenLeaf expansion?

Southern California customers will get access to daily delivery of specialty foods and premium produce, including farm-direct specialty produce and organics, all from a single source.