Minnesota-based produce companies H. Brooks & Co. and its affiliates and J&J Distributing are being acquired by New Harvest Foods, which is controlled by the Dragonfly Group and its affiliates led by entrepreneur Jason Jaynes. This transaction brings together the complementary strengths of both organizations to create a new and stronger healthy foods company called New Harvest Foods.

“By combining the best of both companies with the strength of The Dragonfly Group, New Harvest Foods is positioned to be a customer’s first choice for produce,” said Ron Carkoski, who has been named chief executive officer of the new company. Carkoski is a 42-year veteran of the produce industry and the 2019 recipient of the United Fresh Lifetime Achievement Award.

According to Phillip Brooks, a member of the family that founded H. Brooks in 1905, combining the companies creates synergies backed by the quality and service for which both combining companies are known.

“We are looking forward to expanding J&J’s focus on innovation to develop the latest in new products that consumers want,” said Jim Hannigan, founder of J&J Distributing.

“We’ve put in place a team that has successfully integrated and grown companies before,” said Jason Jaynes of The Dragonfly Group, who will be the chairperson of the New Harvest Foods board of directors.