Jamaica’s GraceKennedy expands US footprint after acquisition

Jamaica-based food company, The GraceKennedy Group will now directly manage its own distribution in the Metro New York City, Atlanta and Florida markets through the newly formed subsidiary GraceKennedy USA LLC DBA LaFe, the company said on Monday.

The move comes following GraceKennedy’s July 2014 acquisition of US-based food company LaFe.

At the time of acquisition, GraceKennedy Group CEO Don Wehby said the move was very strategic as it provides the company with access to the Hispanic market one of the fastest-growing segments in food and beverage and gives Grace Foods the ability to own its own route to market in the US With operations in Moonachie, New Jersey; Miami, Florida; and Raleigh, North Carolina; and brand and distribution presence in the New York City/Tri-state area, Florida, Georgia and the East Coast.

Since July 2014, the GraceKennedy team has been focused on the distribution aspect of the business, previously handled by Iberia Foods.

Grace Foods’ presence in the US market began over 20 years ago, starting with members of the Jamaican diaspora created demand for the company’s products when they emigrated to the US.

The company’s products are currently available in national and regional chains across the US such as Walmart, Publix, Stop and Shop, Giant, Shoppers and ShopRite as well as many independent grocers such as Western Beef, Key Foods and Associated.

About The GraceKennedy Group: The Jamaica-based GraceKennedy Group is one of the Caribbean’s largest and most dynamic food and finance corporate entities. The company which was founded in 1922, now has a corporate foot print in the Caribbean, North and Central America, the United Kingdom and Africa. The company’s mission includes bringing the taste of Jamaica and the Caribbean to the rest of the world.

Source: The GraceKennedy Group