International Commodity Distributors Inc. Secures New Capital and Continues National Expansion
Dried apricots and dates, okra chips and other unique veggie chips, custom flavored trail mixes and handmade candies are just a sampling of the innovative and healthy fruit and nut snack alternatives created and distributed by Davis Lewis Orchards, and the company continues to grow.
With the guidance of TriTech Small Business Development Center, Davis Lewis Orchards, which is operated by International Commodity Distributors Inc., secured a significant amount of new capital, enabling the company to realize increased sales at the national level and hire additional employees.
“With this new line of credit, we have expanded our national growth, and a second national public offering is under discussion,” says Darcie Schott, business development manager at Davis Lewis Orchards. “In the interim, we have purchased new labeling equipment and packaging machinery, and we hired a field merchandiser on a permanent, part-time basis.”
“Our company’s interaction with TriTech began with one goal – to secure financing – and resulted in manifestations far more valuable,” says Roberta Davis-Lewis, president of International Commodity Distributors Inc. “We gained partners who counseled our company on intelligent next steps at a juncture representing growth powerful enough to mandate careful management.”
Schott and Davis-Lewis worked with TriTech SBDC senior consultant Bill Waldo, whose extensive food-service background allowed him to advise the company on the best sales channels and sales and marketing strategies.
They also worked with Don Kasle, a retired bank CEO and a senior consultant at TriTech SBDC, and he provided the one-on-one counseling necessary to negotiate and secure the line of credit. “It’s always a pleasure to work with seasoned professionals who are open to new ideas and creative approaches, says Kasle. “International Commodity Distributors Inc. certainly does that.”
“Our relationship with the TriTech representatives has provided insight into our company’s financial behavior while considering new marketing and advertising programs to maximize sales,” says Davis-Lewis. “They bring value to our corporate landscape well beyond our initial expectations, and they’ve become trusted sources of genuine assistance backed by industry knowledge.”
Lewis Orchards is a family-run food company based in Garden Grove, California, and was launched in 1990. Selling both retail and wholesale, many of their products are kosher, organic and gluten-free, and may be found in grocery stores and specialty markets across the nation.
“We highly recommend TriTech to any entity worthy of their intricate evaluation,” adds Davis-Lewis. “We are satisfied without issue with the service they have delivered.”
