FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 11, 2019 — Frederick, Maryland
Rainforest Distribution Corp. (“Rainforest”), a full-service food and beverage distributor serving the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of Better and Best Corporation T/A Avenue Gourmet (“Avenue Gourmet”), a Frederick, Maryland-based specialty and gourmet food distributor. The transaction is expected to close on August 9, 2019.
Founded in 1996, Avenue Gourmet has built a 23-year reputation distributing high-end gourmet and specialty food products to chain and independent grocery stores throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. The company is known for sourcing quality and hard-to-find products — both domestically and internationally — and for helping retailers design and execute differentiated specialty grocery programs.
Strengthening Specialty Food Distribution in the Mid-Atlantic
The combination of Rainforest and Avenue Gourmet creates a stronger platform for retailers and suppliers across the region, delivering increased operational efficiencies, broader geographic reach, deeper execution of custom retail programs, and expanded support for local and emerging food brands.
Alexander Ridings, CEO of Rainforest Distribution, stated: “Avenue Gourmet has spent over two decades building deep relationships with specialty retailers across the Mid-Atlantic and earning a reputation for sourcing truly exceptional products. This acquisition allows Rainforest to significantly deepen our specialty food capabilities and bring a broader, more curated portfolio to the retailers and communities we serve. We are excited to welcome the Avenue Gourmet team and their customers to the Rainforest family.”
Avenue Gourmet’s founders and owners, Patricia Lobel and Lee Cohen, will continue with Rainforest in leadership roles throughout the transition and beyond — ensuring continuity of service for Avenue Gourmet’s established customer and supplier relationships.
About Avenue Gourmet
Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Frederick, Maryland, Avenue Gourmet (operated by Better and Best Corporation) is a specialty and gourmet food distributor serving chain and independent grocery retailers throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Avenue Gourmet is known for sourcing quality, hard-to-find domestic and international products and for partnering with retailers to design compelling specialty grocery programs.
About Rainforest Distribution Corp.
Rainforest Distribution Corp. is a full-service direct store distributor with frozen, refrigerated and dry capabilities throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions of the United States. With distribution centers in Bayonne, New Jersey and Frederick, Maryland, Rainforest offers customized distribution solutions designed to ensure customer success in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Rainforest’s extensive sales and merchandising network adds value through expertise in high-touch perishables, local and emerging brands, custom retail programs, and the execution of first-to-market concepts.
Website: https://www.rainforestdistribution.com
Media Contact: Rainforest Distribution Corp.
media@rainforestdistribution.com | (201) 683-7953