HKW, an Indianapolis, Ind.-based middle-market private equity firm, and its portfolio company Fresh Direct Produce Ltd., Canada, acquired Emperor Specialty Foods, Canada.

Emperor is a distributor of mushrooms, pears and other specialty fruits and vegetables. This add-on provides growth opportunities for Fresh Direct Produce, which distributes more than 1,000 domestic, imported and organic fruit and vegetable items.

“With a talented management team and range of complementary products, we are confident Emperor will prove an important addition to Fresh Direct Produce, and play a critical role in our value-driven growth plan,” says Davis Yung, president, CEO and co-founder of Fresh Direct Produce.

“The addition of Emperor’s products and customers, as well as a new location, will allow for smart, strategic growth opportunities,” says Kent Robinson, HKW partner and chairman of the board for Fresh Direct Produce. “This is an important step forward for Fresh Direct Produce, and we are excited for both teams. The acquisition is also strategically aligned within the health and wellness sector, a key area of focus for HKW.”