WALNUT CREEK, Calif. — The Escalante family, owners of Aceitunas Guadalquivir — AG Olives — on Thursday announced the acquisition of Bell-Carter Foods LLC, a leading U.S. manufacturer of table olives.
Bell-Carter Foods' current senior leadership team, led by fourth-generation CEO Tim T. Carter, will continue to lead the 110-year-old, family-founded business under the same moniker.
The acquisition provides for the continuity of Bell-Carter Foods' leadership and its nearly 300 employees, the adoption and continuation of all active California grower contracts, and the effective execution of the company's own envisaged growth plans within California which are steeped in its five core values: family, teamwork, trust/respect, continuous learning and a service mindset.
The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. As part of the deal, Dcoop, a former partner of Bell-Carter, will hold a minority interest in Bell-Carter Foods, continuing to deliver value to Dcoop's cooperative members.
The deal further fulfills Bell-Carter Foods' longstanding commitment to its U.S.-based employees, nationwide retail customers, loyal Lindsay brand consumers and its production facility, located in Corning, California. Within the first few weeks of the acquisition, investments will be made in the facility, which include advanced olive cookers, expanded warehouse space and new production lines – all of which will help the company meet the surging demand for all forms and varieties of Lindsay brand olives processed and packaged in California. Bell-Carter's growth strategy and Corning investment plans will be supported by AG Olives CEO, Francisco "Paco" Escalante, as Carter and his current leadership team continue to drive the operational and commercial missions of the company.
Furthering a longstanding commitment to its home state, the acquisition empowers Bell-Carter Foods to maintain all active grower contracts and strengthen its commitment to its California-based growers. Bell-Carter Foods' network now includes 80+ growers across 3,000 acres throughout Tehama and Tulare counties. In the last year alone, Bell-Carter Foods signed multi-year contracts with its California-based growers and extended contracts to 25 new growers.
"As the fourth-generation CEO, I feel a deep sense of pride and responsibility to uphold Bell-Carter Foods' rich legacy as well as ensure its bright future," said Carter. "Our alliance with the Escalantes, another leading family in the olive business who shares our same set of values, is representative of the trust our long-time partner has in our employees, customer and grower partners, and unwavering mission to be the best and most respected table olive producer in California."
"Our partnership with Bell-Carter Foods may sound new to some; however, our strong relationship with the company spans three decades," said Escalante, the family's second-generation CEO. "Our investment in Bell-Carter Foods is a testament to our company's shared passion for creating and delivering the perfect olives that enhance meals and create new taste experiences. We look forward to working closely with Tim and his exceptional team of dedicated table olive craftspeople to use our investments in the U.S. production facilities to help grow the Lindsay brand and give consumers even more ways to enjoy the world's finest olives on their tables."
