HKW, a Hammond, Ky.-based middle-market private equity firm, and its portfolio company, Fresh Direct Produce, Ltd., Canada, acquired Islands West Manufacturing, Ltd., also based in Canada.

Islands West is a family-owned wholesaler of produce, processed fruits, dried spices and fresh-cut vegetables, and distributes more than 1,000 domestic and imported organic fruit and vegetable items.

“This acquisition meets several key objectives for Fresh Direct Produce, offering our customers a range of complementary new products, a wider and more efficient distribution network and a state-of-the-art processing facility, adding capacity and improving operations,” says Davis Yung, president, CEO and co-founder of Fresh Direct Produce. “With a strong leadership team already in place, Islands West immediately provides the fresh-cut capabilities our customers want, while at the same time expanding our overall product offering and geographic reach.”

“We are very pleased to partner with an organization that has the talent and capabilities of Islands West. The expanded range of products, in particular, the offering of fresh-cut vegetables, allows for significant cross-selling opportunities,” says Kent Robinson, HKW partner and chairman of the board for Fresh Direct Produce. “HKW’s emphasis on health and wellness remains a key area of focus; this add-on strengthens our commitment to that sector.”