CANADA – Tree of Life Canada, a prominent distributor in the Canadian food industry, has announced the appointment of Patrick Heffernan as its Chief Operating Officer (COO).
Previously serving as the company’s Executive Vice President of Sales, Brand Development, and Procurement, Heffernan brings a wealth of experience to his new role.
Heffernan’s extensive background includes serving as the VP of Supply Chain & Supplier Relationships at United Natural Foods from January 2016 to November 2021.
Following this, he assumed the role of Managing Partner at REMBrands, where he contributed to the company’s growth until September 2022.
In conjunction with Heffernan’s appointment, Tree of Life Canada recently made a significant expansion move by acquiring Legacy Distributors, an Ontario-based distributor renowned for its expertise in bakery, home meal replacement (HMR), ultra-fresh, and bulk commodities.
The acquisition, undertaken for an undisclosed amount, adds a new dimension to Tree of Life Canada’s product offerings.
Lisa MacNeil, President of Tree of Life Canada, expressed her excitement about the acquisition, stating, “We’re elated to welcome Legacy and their vendor partners to the Tree of Life family. Our portfolio continues to grow, and the Legacy addition further satisfies the unique selection of food and beverages that we bring to Canadian consumers.”
“It also expands our reach to consumers with Legacy’s existing third-party logistic (3PL) capabilities.”
Despite the change in ownership, Legacy Distributors will maintain its operational independence and continue to operate from its Woodbridge, Ont. facility.
This decision aims to ensure a seamless transition and uphold Legacy’s commitment to delivering high-quality products and services.
Tony Ntentes, President of Legacy Distributors, conveyed optimism about the collaboration, stating, “This change is a positive for all of us. We eagerly anticipate the prospect of collaborating with the Tree of Life team and are excited about the opportunities that this promises to bring forth.”
The strategic acquisition aligns with Tree of Life Canada’s commitment to enhancing its product offerings and market presence.
As the company welcomes Patrick Heffernan into the role of COO, it reinforces its dedication to leadership and innovation in the Canadian food distribution sector.
This announcement marks a pivotal moment for Tree of Life Canada, signaling not only a leadership transition but also a strategic move to broaden its market influence through the acquisition of Legacy Distributors.
As the company continues to evolve, these developments position Tree of Life Canada for sustained growth and success in the dynamic Canadian food industry.
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