GFS Canada

Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, GFS Canada distributes fresh foods, canned and dry foods, fresh and frozen meats, seafood and poultry, imported special orders, equipment, supplies and much more. GFS Canada distributes in every province of Canada. GFS Canada is one of the largest foodservice distributors in Canada along with Sysco.^[1] Gordon Food Service moved into Canada through the acquisition of 5 Canadian companies, now under the single title of GFS Canada.

History

A large competitor to Sysco, US Foodservice and Performance Food Group in the US, Gordon Food Service, was founded in 1897 by Isaac van Westenbrugge,^[2] a 23-year-old Dutch immigrant, and later taken over by his son-in-law Ben Gordon. Gordon Food Service was started by Van Westenbrugge with what is said to be 300 dollars borrowed from his brother to start an egg and butter delivery service.^[3] GFS Canada grew out of Gordon Food Service in the United States and now remains part of the same corporation, but a separate entity. Gordon Food Service's 100 year history and continued growth play into its success, however its focus on customer services was notably defined in the 1990s and 2000s. Company sales reached $1 billion in 1994. A North American presence was established in the mid-90s, when Gordon Food Service acquired three Canadian food-service entities.

Growth into Canada

Gordon Food Service branched into Canada through the acquisition of several food service distributors.

GFS Ontario was created formerly known as Maple Leaf Food Service GFS Atlantic - formerly known as M & S Food Service, GFS Canada purchased M&S in 2003.^[4] GFS Prairies - Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and the remainder of Ontario formerly known as Bridge Brand was purchased by GFS Canada in 2001.^[4] GFS Quebec – Quebec City and Montreal formerly known as Distal and Maple Leaf Service. GFS British Columbia - British Columbia formerly known as Neptune Food Service. Purchased by GFS Canada in 2009.^[4]

GFS Canada is a single company with various divisions.

Brand Products

GFS currently maintains 8 brands in Canada. A high-quality brand, Gordon Signature. GFS Brand and a value brand Kitchen Essentials. Beyond this, GFS Canada has 5 other brands from its strategic alliances. Markon produce, Mosaic coffee, Trade East Spices and Seasonings, Array janitorial and sanitation solutions, and Certified Angus Beef.

Structure

GFS Canada is a family-owned business.

References