Grimmway Farms, Bakersfield, Calif., acquired the Cook County, Ga., and Live Oak, Fla., processing facilities and assets of Generation Farms, Lake Park, Ga., to expand the company’s farming and processing operations in the Southeast.

Grimmway began producing carrots in Cook County and Live Oak in 2015. Then, it opened its Southeast Regional packing facility and warehouse in Sparks, Ga., in February 2018, allowing the company to ship conventional carrot products from the facility from mid-December through May.

“We are committed to providing our customers with high-quality vegetables year-round, and we seek to improve logistical efficiencies through our regional operations. Generation Farm’s diverse processing capabilities and productive land base provide a unique opportunity to grow our regional carrot program and expand our organic division,” says Eric Proffitt, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Grimmway Farms.

Formerly Coggins Farm, Generation Farms’ Lake Park operation was created in 2013, supplying carrots, green beans, sweet potatoes, blueberries and watermelon to customers in the region. Generation Farms also grows, packs and ships onions from its Vidalia, Ga.-based operation, which is not included in the Grimmway acquisition.

“We are excited to increase our footprint in the Southeast and welcome the talented team at Generation Farms to the Grimmway Farms family,” says Jeff Huckaby, president of Grimmway Farms. “We would also like to recognize Steve Grinstead and the Grinstead group for providing expert advisory service and enabling a seamless transition from beginning to end.”