The Seminole Tribe of Florida announced it has acquired a majority interest in Blue Lake Citrus Products of Winter Haven, FL. The investment increases the Tribe’s citrus industry investments and growing citrus holdings, which have grown steadily over the past few years.
The acquisition further strengthens the Seminole Tribe’s business partnership with Winter Haven-based Noble Produce Holdings Inc. The Tribe’s business development arm now owns 60% of Blue Lake Citrus Products.
Tony Sanchez, president of the Seminole Tribe of Florida said the expanded partnership positions the Tribe for significant growth within the food service and retail channels with pure products that bring awareness to Florida’s agriculture. The Seminole Pride portfolio consists of Noble 100% pure juice, Noble organic juice, Healthy On-The-Go fruit snacks, OWV natural spring water, and beef.
In April of 2013, the Seminole Tribe acquired from Noble Produce Holdings a majority interest in Noble Food Service, the sales and marketing division of Blue Lake Citrus Products. That partnership significantly expanded the growth of the Seminole Pride and Noble brand of citrus juices throughout the U.S. and Canada to more conventional and natural grocery stores, restaurants, schools, hotels, hospitals, and catering businesses.
Blue Lake Citrus Products also markets bulk juice, citrus oils, and other citrus products. “We see our partnership with the Seminole Tribe as the launch platform to significantly grow the entire line of Blue Lake products, from bulk to branded. The opportunities are tremendous for Blue Lake,” said Quentin Roe, president of Noble Produce Holdings.
In 2010, Florida Grower featured the Roe’s farming operations.