Northbud Distributors will be integrated into the Tree of Life business over the next 12 months. All Northbud trade programs will remain in place during the transition. Northbud represents large foodservice companies including Kraft Foods, Buddig, Hillshire Brands, and Advance Pierre Foods. Both companies expect the merger to complement Tree of Life Canada product offerings while also providing new national key account, DSD and logistical coverage in Canada.
"This is an opportunity for our vendor partners to reach more doors across Canada and to increase and strengthen our sales support throughout the country," said Peter Clarke, vice president, Sales and Marketing for Northbud. Clarke will be joining Tree of Life as vice president and general manager of Northbud.
Tree of Life Canada is one of the largest distributors of specialty and natural foods in Canada. The company has the largest specialty food sales force in Canada, representing nationally recognized brands.
"Tree of Life's strategy is to offer class leading category expertise in our specialty categories," said Jamie Moody, president, Tree of Life Canada. "The addition of the Northbud portfolio gives us greater presence in the perimeter of the store categories that continue to experience high growth."
