New Jersey Produce Distributor Completes Regional Acquisition

Agri Exotic Trading, an independent produce distributor based in New Jersey, has acquired Mellone Wholesale Produce, which has operated in the region for more than 80 years. The existing Mellone management team will remain in place following the acquisition to maintain continuity for longtime customers. The merger combines two regional suppliers built on foundations of personalized service and quality products.

Agri Exotic Trading, a produce distributor and fresh-cut processor based in Clifton, New Jersey, has expanded its regional footprint by acquiring Mellone Wholesale Produce, a Hackensack-based supplier with over eight decades of market presence. The transaction preserves operational continuity by retaining Mellone's existing management structure, a strategic decision intended to maintain established customer relationships across Northern New Jersey and New York markets.

The merger integrates two differently-scaled operations: Mellone brings established customer loyalty and regional reputation, while Agri contributes advanced infrastructure including refrigerated warehousing, SQF-certified processing facilities, and expanded sourcing networks. This combination reflects a broader consolidation trend in regional produce distribution, where mid-sized independent operators seek competitive advantages through operational integration rather than significant operational restructuring.