Organically Grown Company Expands California Reach With Heath & Lejeune Acquisition

Organically Grown Company has acquired Southern California organic produce distributor Heath & Lejeune, bringing together two longtime industry partners and expanding OGC’s distribution presence in one of the country’s largest produce markets.

Heath & Lejeune, also known as Soully Organic, operates from a 43,000-square-foot facility in Commerce, Calif., where it distributes certified organic fruits and vegetables to retailers, grocery chains and other distributors.

The company also provides produce consolidation and logistics services connecting growing regions with customers across the United States and Canada.

Financial terms of the stock purchase were not disclosed.

“OGC and Heath & Lejeune have worked together for decades, and we’ve long respected their expertise and commitment to organic agriculture,” said Brenna Davis, CEO of Organically Grown Company.

For Portland, Ore.-based OGC, the acquisition expands its California footprint and strengthens a distribution network serving retailers, foodservice operators and other customers across the Western United States.

Heath & Lejeune was founded in 1981 by Southern California produce veterans Pat Lejeune and Harland Heath. More than four decades later, the company has developed extensive relationships with organic growers and buyers.

The acquisition is not expected to result in an immediate operational merger.

OGC plans to integrate the businesses in phases over the coming year. Initially, the two companies will continue operating separately while focusing on maintaining customer service, grower relationships and continuity throughout the supply chain.

That gradual approach is particularly important in fresh produce, where established sourcing and customer relationships can be as valuable as physical distribution assets.

The combination gives OGC access to Heath & Lejeune’s Southern California infrastructure while giving the acquired company greater connection to OGC’s broader Western distribution network.

For organic produce growers, that could eventually mean more efficient access to customers across multiple regions.

The deal also reflects continued consolidation throughout fresh produce distribution as companies seek greater scale, stronger logistics networks and broader geographic reach.

Organic produce presents additional challenges because distributors must maintain certified handling practices while managing highly perishable products from a wide range of growers.

OGC itself has deep roots in the sector. The company has been involved in organic agriculture since 1978 and is now owned by the Sustainable Food & Agriculture Perpetual Purpose Trust, an ownership structure designed to protect the company’s long-term organic mission.

Rick Lejeune, CEO of Heath & Lejeune, said the two organizations have known and worked with one another for years.

For OGC, the acquisition represents more than additional warehouse capacity. It strengthens the company’s connection to Southern California growers, buyers and logistics networks while creating a larger organic produce distribution platform across the West.