Harvest Sherwood Food Distributors

Harvest Sherwood Food Distributors, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, was the largest independent wholesale food distributor in the United States. Established in 1969 as Regal Packing Company, it underwent a name change to Sherwood Food Distributors in 1987.

In April 2017, Sherwood merged with Harvest Food Distributors of National City, California, forming a nationwide protein and perishable food distribution network.

Operations and Distribution Centers

The company operated 14 primary distribution centers across the U.S., including locations in Detroit, Atlanta, Cleveland, Miami, Orlando, and Portland. These facilities collectively spanned nearly 1.3 million square feet, enabling the distribution of over 32 million pounds of food products weekly.

Product Portfolio

Harvest Sherwood's extensive product portfolio included bakery items, deli products, beef, pork, lamb, veal, poultry, seafood, and frozen foods. The company served a diverse clientele, comprising over 6,000 retail and foodservice partners.

Clients included independent and ethnic grocers, convenience stores, club stores, foodservice distributors, and food manufacturers.

Closure and Layoffs

In early 2025, Harvest Sherwood announced the closure of all its operations nationwide, leading to the permanent layoff of approximately 1,500 employees. This decision was attributed to rising costs and a declining market for many of the company's products.

Presence in Florida

Prior to its closure, the company had a significant presence in Florida, with distribution centers in Opa-locka and Orlando.

• The Opa-locka facility was a 150,000-square-foot center employing 134 workers.
• The Orlando facility covered 45,000 square feet and had 41 employees.
• Additionally, the company operated in Orlando, FL, USA.

Legacy

Despite its closure, Harvest Sherwood's legacy in the food distribution industry remains notable. It played a pivotal role in supplying a wide array of food products to various sectors across the United States.