SYSCO Corp. announced Jan. 24 that its FreshPoint produce subsidiary has agreed to acquire Piranha Produce Inc., and has also completed the acquisition of Nashville Tomato Inc. Terms of the transactions were not disclosed.

Piranha?s management team, staff and headquarters will remain intact and the company will function as an operating company of FreshPoint.

?We are highly selective about the companies we seek to acquire," said Brian M. Sturgeon, president of FreshPoint. "Piranha Produce and Nashville Tomato have excellent reputations for customer service and product offerings, as well as exceptional management and employees. These acquisitions continue to expand FreshPoint?s distribution coverage as the preferred produce supplier for foodservice operators across North America. Piranha?s is a perfect fit with our culture and values. The company has an excellent reputation for customer service and product offerings, as well as exceptional management and employees. This acquisition continues to expand our distribution coverage as the preferred produce supplier across North America."

Jeff Sacchini, president and co-founder of Piranha, said, "By partnering with FreshPoint, Piranha retains its autonomy and preserves the entrepreneurial culture that makes us such a special company. Likewise, we are committed to FreshPoint?s mission to help our customers succeed, and this move positions us for growth opportunities that otherwise would not be available to our company."

The timing of the acquisition couldn?t be better, Mr. Sacchini said, given that Piranha?s product offerings " which include the highest-quality fruits, vegetables, herbs, fresh juices and fresh-cut produce " are poised to take advantage of the national trend toward focusing on a healthier diet. Earlier this month, the federal government issued dietary guidelines that double the recommended daily consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables as an effective way to help address concerns about national health and obesity.

?Being able to tap into FreshPoint?s existing infrastructure and distribution channels is an excellent opportunity and value for everyone associated with our company," said Glenn Davis, Piranha?s chief executive officer and co-founder. "This is a win-win situation across the board."

Since entering into the fresh produce market in the summer of 2000, Piranha has experienced consistent growth and earned a reputation for delivering the highest-quality produce to retail and foodservice customers in northern California and western Nevada. The company?s diverse customer base includes both foodservice and retail grocery stores. The foodservice component is well diversified in healthcare, schools, chain restaurants, independent restaurants and public sector entities. The retail piece includes both national and regional stores.

Piranha recently broke ground on a new 50,000-square-foot facility south of Modesto. The expansion is the culmination of four years of rapid growth during which time the company has grown from a dozen employees and five trucks to more than 100 employees and 34 trucks.