The Castellini Company is acquiring General Produce, Inc., a move which extends the company’s reach in perishable distribution into the Southeastern part of the U.S.

Located in greater Atlanta, General Produce is one of the largest produce distribution businesses in the South with a footprint throughout the Southeast, according to a press release. General Produce will continue to operate under its current name and brand.

“This acquisition allows us to better serve our current customers and continues our growth strategy by opening up new markets,” said Bill Schuler, president and CEO of the Castellini Group of Companies. “General Produce has a stellar reputation for customer service and is a top tier perishable distribution operation. The Folds and Springfield families have built this company into a great business with great people. The name, General, is synonymous with excellent produce distribution in the Southeast. We are pleased to welcome them into the Castellini Group of Companies.”

Cincinnati-based Castellini Group of Companies, is one of the largest distributors of fresh produce in the United States and with the acquisition of General Produce, the Castellini Group of Companies will increase its extensive distribution in the Eastern half of the U.S. The Castellini Group offers a full spectrum of fresh fruits and vegetables and value added services which include a complete line of organic produce, fresh-cut processing, tomato repacking, and transportation for its retail, foodservice, and wholesale customers.

Randy Lineberger, executive vice president and general manager of General Produce said, “Founder Hiram Folds, who just recently passed away, together with his son, Calvin, and daughter, Jeannie Springfield, built General Produce into the business it is today. They always led by example and instilled a great sense of company pride, intense customer focus, resourcefulness, and loyalty into all of General's employees. These attributes are solidly in place as we join forces with the Castellini Group and all the Group has to offer. It is a very exciting opportunity for all of our employees, our customers and our suppliers."

Castellini Group of Companies