US Foodservice

The Merchants Company is a foodservice distributor that operates Merchants Foodservice. With a location in Clanton, Ala., the subsidiary serves over five U.S. states and operates warehouse facilities and a foodservice distribution center. It was founded in 1904 as Fain Grocery Company, a wholesale grocery distributor. Merchants Foodservice has marketing partnerships with ConAgra Foods, Frosty Acres Brands, Kellogg's, Pictsweet, Pierre Foods and Ventura Foods. The subsidiary offers products under several brand names, including General Mills, Pioneer, Morrison, Shawnee, Gel Spice, Rich's and Ken s Foods. It provides a range of bakery products, such as biscuits, waffles, cakes, cookies, pies, rolls and cheesecakes.

Louis Broughton Whitfield Sr. founded Whitfield Foods in 1906 with two employees. The company is a parent company for Alaga Products (originally Alabama-Georgia Syrup Company), Yellow Label and Plowboy. All three of Whitfield Foods subsidiaries produce and distribute a variety of syrups, sauces and similar food products. The firm is primarily a supplier to grocery stores and other food distributors. The company has a variety of competitions and recipes on its Web site. The corporate office of Whitfield Foods in Montgomery, Ala., has a one chair barber shop and a bar and stage in the boardroom. The company has hosted such figures as Clark Gable, Willie Mays, George Wallace, Hank Aaron and Nat King Cole.

Established in 2002, Fleischmann's Vinegar Company Inc. is one of the leading producers of industrial vinegars in the world. Located in Cerritos, Calif., the company comprises eight vinegar manufacturing plants and one distribution location outside the United States. The acquisition of Swander Pace Capital L.L.C. from Burns, Philp & Company Limited led to the formation of Fleischmann's Vinegar Company Inc. It also produces and distributes a full line of specialty vinegars, including balsamic, generic and varietal wines, as well as malt, rice, apple cider vinegars, etc. In addition, the company is a member of the National Products Association (NPA). Fleischmann's Vinegar Company Inc. is a Quality Assurance International (QAI) and the National Organic Program (USDA) certified organic producer.