Chicago company buys North Springfield's Black River Produce

NORTH SPRINGFIELD, Vt. (AP) - A North Springfield produce company that has been a major player in Vermont's local foods movement is in the process of being sold to a Chicago-based buyer.

The Times Argus reports (http://bit.ly/2dv74m7 ) Reinhart Foodservice has entered into an agreement with Earth Brothers Ltd. to purchase a controlling interest in the Black River Produce distribution business.

Established in 1978, Black River Produce distributes food grown on 600 Vermont family farms to the rest of New England.

The deal also includes Black River Meats, a venture started by the company four years ago to provide Vermont-grown meats to its customers.

Black River Meats co-founders Mark Curran and Steve Birge will remain with the company.

Curran said Friday the company will continue to operate in North Springfield, where 200 employees are stationed.

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Information from: The Times Argus, http://www.timesargus.com/