Strategic Investment to Enhance and Expand Flourishing Agricultural Portfolio
SAN FRANCISCO (Feb. 19, 2025) – Hoffmann Family of Companies ("HF Companies"), a family-owned private equity firm based in the United States, is pleased to announce the acquisition of a controlling stake in Bay Area Herbs & Specialties (“Bay Area Herbs”).
Founded in 1990, Bay Area Herbs is a premier supplier of specialty produce, offering diverse products, from culinary herbs and baby vegetables to edible flowers, specialty berries, and organic produce, to food service and retail outlets nationwide. Nestled in San Francisco's culinary hub at the Golden Gate Produce Terminal, Bay Area Herbs leverages its prime location, vibrant food scene, and proximity to major growing areas to innovate and distribute the freshest quality produce. HF Companies' strategic investment underscores its commitment to supporting local farmers and contributing to the economic development of surrounding communities.
Steven Hurwitz, President of Bay Area Herbs, shared his excitement about the new partnership: "We are privileged to work with the best growers in our industry, and now we have the honor of collaborating with one of the foremost family offices. This partnership positions us to expand our customer base and broaden our product reach, serving retailers, chefs, foodservice distributors, and wholesalers alike to help them achieve their culinary goals."
Hurwitz further explained how the relationship will expand market presence. “By partnering with World Wide Farms, another Hoffman Family Company, we have added first-class domestic grown culinary herb production. Plus, we can access a Midwest distribution hub to expand our reach and shorten the transportation time-to-market.”
Geoff Hoffmann, Co-CEO of HF Companies, emphasized the importance of this acquisition: "Investing in agriculture—one of our core investment theses—not only supports local farmers but also fosters economic development and job creation within the community. We are thrilled to join forces with Steven and contribute to the growth of the Bay Area Herbs brand. We foresee numerous synergies with our other agricultural portfolio companies, including World Wide Farms."
Bay Area Herbs was advised by Cody Peak Advisors of El Segundo, Calif. For more recent news about Hoffmann Family of Companies, visit www.hfcompanies.com.
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About Hoffmann Family of Companies
Hoffmann Family of Companies is a multi-vertical, family-owned private equity firm consisting of over 120 global brands and employs 16,000 employees with businesses located in 30 countries and 400 locations around the world. Hoffmann Family of Companies’ verticals include Agriculture, Aviation & Transportation, Financial & Professional Services, Hospitality & Entertainment, Manufacturing, Marine, Media & Marketing and Real Estate. For more information, visit HFCompanies.com.
About Hoffmann Family of Companies – Agricultural Vertical:
This rapidly growing area of investment for HF Companies produces herbs, wine, fresh plants, flowers, golf products, dairy products. The family’s holdings represent over 5,000 acres of land, including:
- Florida:
- Illinois & Mexico
- Missouri:
- Augusta Winery
- Balducci Vineyards
- Ferguson Valley Nurseries
- Hoffmann Hillerman Nursery
- Knoernschild Vineyards
- Montelle Vineyards
- Mount Pleasant Estates
- Town & Country Nursery
- California:
Coming soon: One of the nation's largest poinsettia planting companies (under a letter of intent)
For More Information:
Rachel Berkowitz | [email protected]