Harvest Food Distributors, San Diego, Calif., and Sherwood Food Distributors, Detroit, Mich., announced plans to merge, forming a nationwide protein and perishable food distribution network that services independent food retailers, regional retail chains, national retail chains, cruise lines and foodservice distributors from coast to coast.

This merger brings together two family-owned companies, however both companies will retain their existing individual identities, their shared network of distribution routes and U.S. warehouses.

“Harvest’s network throughout the Western U.S. and expertise in both commodity and branded products pairs well with Sherwood’s East Coast presence and vast portfolio of commodity and perimeter-of-store products,” says Jay Leavy, chief executive officer of Harvest Food Distributors. “This merger is so complementary — our vendors should be pleased to know they can now reach more customers through one partner.”

In addition to national distribution through a single sale, the new company will offer full-service transportation, storage and freight services.

“Our regional distribution centers and proven routes allow us to move high volumes of brands and products across markets quickly and consistently — now on a scale previously unattainable to independent food companies like those we serve,” says Earl Ishbia, chief executive officer of Sherwood Food Distributors.

Harvest and Sherwood will stock retailers throughout the perimeter of the store, including bakery, deli, meat and seafood departments, and will continue supplying foodservice operators, broadline distributors and cruise lines with quality protein and perishable products.

The new organization’s executive leadership team will consist of Jay Leavy and Earl Ishbia serving as co-CEOs, and Kevin Leavy and Jason Ishbia serving as co-presidents.