FORT WORTH, TX - With eyes on the horizon, Ben E. Keith Foods is carving out a bigger slice of the industry as it recently closed an acquisition. The distributor revealed it had completed the purchase of Florida Food Service on February 2, 2022. In doing so, the company will create the ninth division of Ben E. Keith Foods across 15 states.

“The acquisition of Florida Food Service allows Ben E. Keith Foods to continue its expansion into Florida, serve new and existing customers, and provide additional opportunity for our employees and partners,” said Mike Sweet, President of Ben E. Keith Foods. “We are excited to welcome all Florida Food Service employees into our organization and continue a strong focus on customer service.”

According to the release, this acquisition includes all assets of Florida Food Service, including the 86,000-square-foot distribution center in Gainesville, Florida.

Founded in 1948, Florida Food Service is headquartered in Gainesville and was owned and operated by the Islam family. The company services customers in northern and central Florida. Now, the Gainesville distribution division will be renamed Ben E. Keith Foods – Florida Division in the coming months.

Ben E. Keith Foods noted in the release it will retain all current employees. Marco DiGiosia, a 25-year veteran of Ben E. Keith Foods, has been named General Manager as a result of the acquisition. DiGiosia has relocated to Gainesville and assumed his role effective immediately.

Joel Islam, the former Florida Food Service President, will continue with the company as Assistant General Manager.

Keep a tab open as ANUK reports on the latest shifts and movements in the industry.

Ben E. Keith