Sid Wainer & Son of New Bedford Acquired by The Chef's Warehouse

A fourth-generation family-owned fine food distributor in New Bedford has been acquired by a publicly-traded organization with a footprint that reaches across the continent.

The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. (CHEF), a distributor of specialty food products in North America, announced that it has acquired substantially all of the assets of Sid Wainer & Son. The acquisition is expected to generate approximately $180 million in annual net sales, according to a joint press release from both companies.

For over 100 years, Sid Wainer & Son has curated and distributed some of the world’s finest specialty products and produce. Its distribution network covers the U.S. Northeast.

Henry Wainer, CEO & President of Sid Wainer & Son, said his grandfather founded the company in New Bedford in 1914 and that the company has always sourced its produce "from some of the world's finest farms." He said family members have traveled the world to build relationships with growers, specialty food producers and cheesemakers to source high-quality materials for chefs in the United States.

Wainer added that he is excited to offer four generations of produce knowledge to The Chefs' Warehouse team. "The combination of The Chefs' Warehouse distribution network and quality in conjunction with Sid Wainer & Son's unique specialty ingredients and expertise in the produce industry will provide an unprecedented service for chefs," Wainer said.

"I would like to welcome the Wainer Family and the entire Sid Wainer & Son organization into our growing family of companies,” said Chef's Warehouse chairman and CEO Christopher Pappas. “This acquisition offers The Chefs’ Warehouse the opportunity to build New England’s premier specialty food company."