Miami-based CREO Capital Partners, a private equity firm focused on food, logistics, and consumer investments, has acquired Bova Fresh, a Florida-based food company focused on procurement and logistics, serving major retail and foodservice outlets across the United States. The acquisition marks another investment in the B2B food procurement and logistics space, an area where CREO continues to actively source M&A opportunities. The firm remains focused on the asset-light food, logistics, and procurement landscape, with particular interest in founder-led and family-owned businesses.
Founded in 2014, Bova Fresh procures and distributes food products to more than 250 retail and foodservice customers across the U.S. Based in Boca Raton, the company operates with a team of about 20 and a trusted network of over 300 suppliers throughout the Americas.
"We've always focused on partnering with great companies led by exceptional people, and Bova Fresh is a perfect example of that," said Matthew Finnerty, director at CREO Capital Partners. "The procurement and asset-light logistics space is an increasingly attractive area for us, and this investment marks the first of several we plan to pursue in the sector. We welcome conversations with other founder-led and family-run businesses looking for the right long-term partner."
© CREO CapitalMatthew Finnerty
Bova Fresh will continue to operate independently, with founders Bob Wilhelm and Steve San Filippo retaining a minority stake and continuing to lead day-to-day operations. The company will integrate with other similar assets in the CREO portfolio.
The company plays a vital role in sourcing and delivering products with a focus on Latin America, which will be a geographic area of focus for CREO going forward. The acquisition creates natural synergies, as Bova Fresh's expertise in categories like avocados complements CREO's other portfolio companies, including Yucatan Guacamole, and opens new cross-selling opportunities. The teams have already begun collaborating to unlock new distribution channels, improve sourcing, and drive mutual growth.
Under CREO's ownership, Bova Fresh plans to expand into new regions, grow its salesforce, and prioritize high-margin SKUs in categories where it already holds a sourcing edge and strong customer demand. The company is also deepening procurement partnerships and leveraging synergies across CREO's broader food ecosystem.
"Bob and I are excited to join one of the nation's leading private label and food service partners to premium retailers and restaurant chains," San Filippo said. "This partnership unites our expertise in the fresh and frozen produce industry with CREO's portfolio of premium brands, creating a powerful force in fast-growing segments in food. With a shared commitment to innovation, quality, and culture, this merger positions us for transformative growth and leadership in one of the most dynamic sectors of the global food market."
For more information:
CREO Capital Partners
Tel: +1 (305) 998-0078
[email protected]
https://www.creocapitalpartners.com/
