BAKERSFIELD, CALIF. — Bolthouse Farms has entered into an agreement to acquire Tolleson, Ariz.-based Rousseau Farming Co.’s carrot operations. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The acquisition will allow Bolthouse Farms to provide customers with more locally grown carrots as part of its regional strategy and “four corners” growing approach — Washington, Georgia, Eastern Canada and now Arizona, in addition to California, the company said. Additionally, the purchase will bolster Bolthouse Farms’ plans for innovation in the carrot space, including refining the product, introducing new varieties and optimizing the growth cycle and supply chain.

"This acquisition will help us scale to serve our customers better by bringing more fresh and healthy locally grown carrots to them in the Southwest," said Jeff Dunn, chief executive officer of Bolthouse Farms. "We've had a longstanding relationship with the Rousseau family and are committed to partnering with companies that share our core values of sustainability, product quality and customer service. We look forward to continuing to grow our businesses and support the industry together."

Founded in 1892, Rousseau Farming Co. farms and supplies locally grown produce, including anise, beets, bok choy, broccoli, cabbage, celery, green chard, cilantro, chilies, sweet corn, cauliflower, kale and watermelon. The company's name for carrot operations is not expected to change as a result of the acquisition, and Rousseau Farming Co. will retain ownership of all other produce operations.

“My family has focused on providing fresh produce for the American table for more than 125 years,” said Will Rousseau, owner of Rousseau Farming Co. “I believe partnerships like this are what will help us continue to evolve and certainly see us through another 100 years."

Based in Bakersfield, Calif., Bolthouse Farms was acquired by private equity firm Butterfly in June 2019. The company was previously owned by the Campbell Soup Co.