Heeren Brothers Expands Product Line to Offer Gourmet, Deli Products
Produce Distributor Adds Experienced Specialty Foods Expert to Team
Grand Rapids, Michigan, May 1, 2006 – Building on its statewide presence as a produce distributor, Heeren Brothers is launching a new business unit that will offer gourmet and deli products to specialty food retailers and grocers.
The Grand Rapids, Michigan-based fruit and vegetable wholesaler and distributor said that its new venture, Gourmet Specialty of Michigan, will offer a wide range of quality food items, including cheeses, meats, olives, pasta, vinegars, olive oils and more. The Company has hired Dan Kauble, who has more than 20 years of specialty food experience in Michigan, to lead the new business unit.
“Simply put, Heeren Brothers is an expert when it comes to food,” explained Hal Roy, CEO of Heeren Brothers. “We have more than 70 years of experience in fresh produce and timely distribution, in addition to a network that reaches throughout the state. We see a tremendous opportunity to build on this base and expand our product offerings through the addition of Gourmet Specialty.
“We are exceptionally pleased to welcome Dan Kauble to the management team of our new business unit. Gourmet and specialty items are one of the fastest-growing product lines in grocery stores today. His years of expertise in this area, combined with our skills in supply chain management, will allow us to reach a broad audience with new and exciting brands.”
Gourmet Specialty of Michigan is gearing itself to carry as many “Made in Michigan” products as possible. Currently, Gourmet Specialty has agreed to distribute products from Grand Rapids based Blis, Steve-N-Sons Grassfields artisan cheeses in Coopersville and is currently talking with a number of additional Michigan specialty food manufactures.
In addition to Michigan products, Gourmet Specialty will carry an extensive line of domestic and international products. Specific products will include:
- Specialty cheeses, including gouda, brie, blues, feta, mozzarella, asiago, grana padana, goats milk and sheep’s milk and other handcrafted cheeses
- Specialty meats, such as prosciutto, mortadella and a variety of salamis
- A complete and extensive line of pastas
- Imported oils, vinegars and olives
- A range of items under the Blis brand, including mercury-free tuna, organic maple syrup, specialty vinegars, flavored sea salts, rubs and other items
“We have taken tremendous care in selecting products for Gourmet Specialty,” Kauble said. “Over the past decade, we have seen increasing interest in the caliber of ingredients used by consumers.
“Our product line features food items made of superior ingredients, many of them organic or packaged without preservatives or sugars. They offer exceptional taste and extraordinary nutritional quality, which will make them a hit in kitchens across the state.”
Gourmet Specialty will offer products delivered to the door on an as-need basis to:
- Full-service grocery stores
- Green grocers
- Specialty food retailers
- Restaurants
- Country clubs
- Catering companies
- Culinary institutes and programs
“We currently have a distribution system which delivers to our retail customers as frequently as three to four times per week. This logistics system will be incorporated with our specialty food line thus allowing us to extend a similar delivery schedule for these additional products,” Kauble said. “Our statewide reach will allow us to manage costs while ensuring prompt delivery.
“We’re very excited about the opportunity to expand our product offerings through Gourmet Specialty of Michigan. We look forward to serving new customers with the same caliber of service that has made us a successful business for more than 70 years.”
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