Quirch Foods, a portfolio company of Palladium Equity Partners, is expanding into Southern California, where it will operate a 100,000-sq.-ft. food distribution facility in Los Angeles.
Founded in 1967, Quirch is a food distributor that serves large and independent retailers, foodservice providers, and cruise line businesses across the United States, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The Florida-based company operates 22 distribution facilities throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico with a combined 2.3 million sq. ft. of refrigerated warehouse space and a fleet of more than 400 trucks.
“This transaction is an exciting development for Quirch Foods as we expand our distribution network into a large, attractive market with a diverse consumer base, including a large Hispanic demographic,” Frank Grande, Quirch president and CEO, said in a news release. “With a broader distribution network and an extensive selection of high-quality products, Quirch is more prepared today than ever to meet the evolving demands of our customers.
“By extending the Quirch platform westward to Southern California, we are now positioned to drive greater value and build upon the strong foundation we have long established.”
The company said it plans to leverage the expansion to create new opportunities. “Together, we will enhance our service to customers and partners while fostering a culture of innovation and sustained growth,” said Jonathan Leavy, Quirch operations manager for Southern California.
Quirch has steadily grown its national presence through a series of strategic transactions, helping to solidify its position as an industry leader. Previous transactions include the acquisitions of Colorado Boxed Beef, Butts Foods, Scariano Wholesale Foods Distribution, and Pacific Foods Distribution.
“This represents Quirch’s fifth transaction since Palladium’s investment in the company in 2018, over which time Quirch has grown from a regional to a national food distribution company,” said Daniel Ilundain, Palladium president. “With this transaction, Palladium’s portfolio companies have acquired over 190 add-ons over its history.”
