Further Secures Company’s Position in Florida; Stores Offer Consumers Top-Quality Gourmet Foods throughout North America
VERO BEACH, May 4, 2010 – Southern Fulfillment Services (SFS), an industry leader in direct-to-consumer fruit and gift shipping, has announced the acquisition of Citrus Country Groves and two retail store operations located in Pinellas County on the west coast of Florida.
Citrus County Groves stores — located in Seminole and Clearwater — now join SFS’ 60-year old brand, Hale Groves, and further establishes the company’s foothold in the Florida citrus and gourmet foods industry. The acquisition complements Southern Fulfillment Services existing national gourmet food brands, including gift citrus.
“Citrus County Groves has enjoyed a consistent prominence on Florida’s Gulf Coast,” said Kristin DiPentima, Retail Manager for SFS. “Joining the stores under the SFS umbrella lets customers experience the best in citrus and gourmet foods, whether they’re shopping for a gift basket or something creative to make for dinner.”
SFS also operates Hale Groves and retail store Hale Groves River Market in Indian River County in Vero Beach, Florida. Southern Fulfillment Services is an industry leader in fruit and gift shipping and both the Hale and Citrus County Groves stores embrace Florida nostalgia at its best.
“With 21st century technology, consumers can buy from a catalog at home, the convenience of the internet, and even visit our stores in person”, says DiPentima. “We love to see familiar faces return year after year in Pinellas County, and the combination of the Hale and Citrus Country Groves gives SFS access to a completely new customer base.”
Tourists exploring Florida can discover the best quality produce, spices, gourmet goodies and handmade crafts in the state, while local Floridians have more options to shop, knowing they can rely on the same excellent standards they have come to expect.
Citrus County Grove stores will operate under the existing brand names and catalog titles, which include Holiday Citrus and Orange Blossom Groves.
About Southern Fulfillment Services:
Southern Fulfillment Services (SFS) is a privately owned Florida based company with production facilities in Vero Beach, Florida, Harlingen and Palestine, Texas. SFS currently owns multiple catalog brands related to citrus and gourmet food categories. Southern Fulfillment Services also provides private label fulfillment for national catalog and internet companies.
For more information contact:
Kristin DiPentima
772-581-9915
kdipentima@southernfulfillment.com