Driscoll Foods, Clifton, N.J., signed a definitive agreement with D. Brickman Produce & Seafood, Menands, N.Y., to merge the two wholesale foodservice companies to service the upstate New York market and its surrounding areas. The merger will create a combined company well positioned to offer a full line of premium products while maintaining the quality and flexibility of an independent specialty wholesaler. 

Steven Donnelly, Driscoll Foods’ Amsterdam, N.Y., division president, will lead the combined company, while D. Brickman owner Jim Hans, who has run the company for 19 years, will oversee the produce and seafood categories.

“The word ‘opportunity’ comes to mind,” says Donnelly. “We believe this is an exciting opportunity for our employees, our vendor partners, our customers and our future customers. This presents a clear alternative to the broad liners in the marketplace.”

“Brickman and Driscoll share the same core values, vision and guiding principles. This is the beginning of a new era and a unique opportunity for the two companies that we believe will benefit all of our customers, employees and suppliers,” Hans adds. “To quote the late Norman Brickman, ‘opportunity favors the prepared.’ And, we are prepared to offer our customers a new way of thinking when it comes to the foodservice industry.”  

“We feel the culture and the people are a perfect complement to us. Brickman is known for exceptional quality and service,” says Tim Driscoll, owner and president of Driscoll Foods. “We have long admired them and are honored to join forces with them.”

The combined companies will employ over 100 employees in upstate New York.