JOH is proud to announce the expansion of its North Central produce coverage in the upper Midwest through the acquisition of leading produce broker The Fresh Connection. This strategic move welcomes a highly respected team with decades of proven produce experience to JOH’s already exceptional produce organization and further strengthens the company’s growing presence across the region.
As JOH continues to build on its longstanding strength in the Northeast, the company is making continued investments in the North Central region, including an increased focus on the Minneapolis, Wisconsin, and Chicago markets. Building on the strong Midwest foundation established in 2013, JOH has grown its Produce North Central presence and now serves Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Dakotas, with dedicated leadership in both Minneapolis and Chicago. These moves further strengthen JOH’s growing presence across the North Central region and enhance the company’s ability to support clients and customers throughout these key Midwest markets.
Founded in 2003, The Fresh Connection has built a strong reputation for doing business the right way, with integrity, responsiveness, and lasting relationships. With shared values and a common commitment to clients and customers, the partnership is a natural fit. Together, JOH and The Fresh Connection will deliver even stronger support to regional retailers and independent markets through enhanced insights and category management expertise.
“This acquisition is particularly meaningful to our team, given the long-standing respect and admiration we have for the O’Hare family and the entire JOH organization,” said Mike Hughes, former President of The Fresh Connection and now JOH Vice President, Produce, North Central. “JOH has built an exceptional reputation across the industry, and their scale, resources, and insights provide the horsepower to propel our partners to new heights.”
“The Fresh Connection team brings a well-established presence throughout the Midwest,” said Brian Maguire, EVP, Produce. “By combining their regional expertise with JOH’s broader capabilities, we are creating an even stronger produce organization that is well positioned to drive growth across the North Central market.”
“We are thrilled to welcome The Fresh Connection team to the JOH family,” said Matt O’Hare, President & CEO. “Their experience supports our continued growth in the North Central region, and we look forward to what we will accomplish together!”
JOH remains deeply committed to the produce industry, its clients, and its people, and looks forward to continued strategic growth across these important markets in the years ahead.
