GrubMarket Expands Its Market Presence with Bay Cities Produce Acquisition

GrubMarket's Strategic Acquisition of Bay Cities Produce

GrubMarket, a key player in the digital transformation of the American food supply chain, has broadened its landscape with the acquisition of Bay Cities Produce, a notable foodservice distributor situated in San Leandro, California. This strategic move not only enhances GrubMarket's operational capabilities but also reinforces its commitment to delivering exceptional service to the foodservice sector in Northern California.

Founded in 1947 by Albert Del Masso, Bay Cities Produce has a rich history of specializing in fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, serving a diverse array of clients including restaurants, schools, and government agencies. Under the leadership of Steve Del Masso, Albert’s son, the company has established a stellar reputation, marked by a dedication to food safety and exemplary customer service. The company moved to a modern 55,000 square foot facility in 2006, significantly elevating its production capacity.

With the merger consummated, GrubMarket aims to harness the synergies between its own subsidiary, Daylight Foods, and Bay Cities Produce. Led by Keith Brewer, COO of Daylight Foods, and Chris Vlahopouliotis, the team has made substantial progress, swiftly integrating former Bay Cities employees and ensuring the continuity of customer accounts. The seamless transition ensured that there were no disruptions during the high-demand Thanksgiving season, with 170,000 product cases shipped throughout the transition.

Keith Brewer emphasized the urgency and dedication displayed during the acquisition process: "Recognizing the opportunity with Bay Cities Produce, we mobilized quickly to transition its operations smoothly. Our priority was to reassure over 100 clients that their service would remain uninterrupted, and I’m proud to announce that we maintained the vast majority of Bay Cities' clientele."

Mike Xu, CEO of GrubMarket, highlighted the strategic fit of the acquisition: "Bay Cities Produce has been a trusted supplier in the foodservice domain for decades. We are thrilled to integrate their talented team into the GrubMarket family. This acquisition not only enhances Daylight Foods’ market presence but also reflects our dedication to modernizing the food supply chain while cherishing the legacy of established businesses. We are committed to ensuring that the exemplary service and high standards Bay Cities is known for continue to thrive in our digitally transformed landscape."

As part of the integration, Bay Cities Produce will leverage GrubMarket's cutting-edge AI-powered technology solutions, including WholesaleWare ERP, a robust software platform that aids food industry wholesalers in financial management and inventory oversight, and GrubAssist, which utilizes advanced AI to streamline order processing and gain actionable insights. Additionally, the acquisition allows Bay Cities to adopt Orders IO, an eCommerce solution tailored for mobile, and GrubPay, which caters to the digital payment needs of the food supply chain.

This acquisition aligns with GrubMarket's overarching mission to revolutionize the food supply chain while maintaining solid relationships with long-standing partners. As they welcome Bay Cities into their fold, GrubMarket showcases not only technological advancement but also a deep respect for quality service and community. By fostering these connections, GrubMarket sets a precedent for future growth within the foodservice industry and the broader food supply landscape.

Ultimately, the acquisition of Bay Cities Produce signifies more than just market expansion; it embodies a vision for a more efficient, customer-centric food supply chain, ensuring that quality remains at the forefront. In a time when technology is reshaping industries, GrubMarket stands poised to lead the charge into a new era for foodservice, underpinned by a commitment to service excellence and innovation.