Acosta Sales & Marketing Gets Into Foodservice Business

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Acosta Sales & Marketing, a full-service sales and marketing agency in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, and Venture Sales Group (VSG), a foodservice sales agency in the Northeast, are forming a partnership to provide a suite of sales and marketing services to the foodservice channel.

VSG will become a standalone division of Acosta and leverage Acosta's depth of resources in areas such as marketing services, training, industry reach and client relationships, according to a joint announcement by the companies. Meanwhile, VSG's local service, go-to-market strategy, technology platform, associates and entrepreneurial spirit will continue to serve as the foundation of the division. VSG also will retain its management team in its entirety.

"We are pleased to announce we are combining resources with VSG and effectively entering the foodservice channel," said Acosta President & CEO Robert Hill. "VSG's strong industry track record, talented associates and positive culture make it the perfect addition to the Acosta family. We are confident that by working together, we can build the leading foodservice agency platform in the U.S., anchored by the best associates in the industry."

Representing premier CPG companies, VSG serves the New England, metro and upstate New York, northeast Pennsylvania, Baltimore/Washington, D.C., and Virginia/West Virginia markets.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for VSG and we are thrilled to become part of Acosta's future," said VSG CEO and CFO Robert Wopperer. "Acosta's commitment to its people dovetails with our goal of growing a successful business while remaining a great place to work. Together, we can capitalize on the changing industry landscape, while maintaining our edge as a leading agency with top talent."