HARBOR WHOLESALE ANNOUNCES THE ACQUISTION OF HALFON CANDY COMPANY

LACEY, Wash., Feb. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Harbor Wholesale, the West Coast's top family-owned, independent distributor, acquired the Seattle, WA Halfon Candy Company owned by 2^nd generation owners Alan & Marie Scharhon.

Harbor Wholesale, known for being first to market with new and innovative items and programs, recognizes a significant opportunity to support their convenience and grocery customers with the expansion into the seasonal and specialty candy category. Rick Jensen, President of Harbor Wholesale said, "with the acquisition of Halfon Candy Company, we increase our overall market share and expand Harbor Wholesale in areas that would have taken us years to independently develop. This newly acquired expertise in seasonal and specialty candy, brings Harbor customers more variety as well as access to unique items to help them grow overall sales and give us a stronger presence in traditional grocery." This acquisition builds on Harbor's existing strength in the retail space, while providing for unique opportunities to serve new customers in many different channels. Mr. Jensen goes on to say, "It is an honor to carry forward the great legacy of Halfon Candy and Alan Scharhon."

Halfon Candy Company was established in 1946 by Jim Halfon. Jim's daughter Marie and son-in-law Alan Scharhon acquired ownership of the company in 1994. Alan started as a part-time worker while he was in college at Halfon Candy Company. Over his 48 years at Halfon Candy Company, he worked his way up the ladder and built the company into what it is today. Alan was honored in 2021 with his induction into the Candy Hall of Fame. After 48 years, Alan is ready to pass along the 500 customers and a specialized product mix to the Harbor Wholesale Team. Alan said, "As the time came near to determine our next steps, it seemed only natural to enter into a conversation with another multigenerational local family owned and operated business with the same core values as ours. I am fortunate to operate a business that allows me to have fun while operating a business. I am proud of what we have built at Halfon Candy Company, and I comfortable Harbor Wholesale will support our customer base and carry on what we created." Alan Scharhon will remain involved to ensure a smooth transition and continued commitment to team members, customers, and vendors.

About Harbor Wholesale

Harbor Wholesale is celebrating its 100^th year in 2023 and continues its dedication to supporting the local entrepreneurs that provide jobs in their communities, bring convenience to busy lives, and invite us all to experience life around the table. Every day. Harbor is proud to receive one of the coveted 2022 Washington's Best Workplaces Awards, as well as one of Washington's Fastest-growing Private Companies. As the largest independent 4^th generation family-owned distributor in the west, obsessed with the success of each of its 850+ team members, Harbor Wholesale serves over 6,000 convenience stores, independent grocers, and quick-serve restaurants with a wide selection of local and national products, business solutions, and even their own Harbor owned Real Fresh Brands™. Brands such as Mountain Fresh™, Via Vita Pizza^®, Split Shift^®, Watertown Craft Roasted^®, Mein Street^®, Skippers^®, and Scratch Dig-In-Chicken™. Harbor Wholesale operates distribution centers in Lacey, WA, Portland, OR, Roseburg, OR, and the newly added Modesto, CA. Harbor Wholesale is a subsidiary of Harbor Foods. For additional information, please visit us at harborwholesale.com or harborfoods.com.

Harbor Wholesale is the owner of all trademarks referenced herein.

Contact

Erika Cottrell, Vice President of Marketing
[email protected]
(800).624.3614

SOURCE Harbor Wholesale