Premier Manufacturing Inc., the consumer products division of U.S. Tobacco Cooperative Inc. (USTC), has acquired VP Distributors LLC, Williamston, West Virginia.
The move will strengthen USTC’s position in the market and broaden its distribution network, offering an enhanced range of products and services to a wider customer base, the Raleigh, North Carolina-based grower owned marketing cooperative said.
“We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of VP Distributors, a move that underscores our commitment to providing unparalleled convenience, blend of quality products and exceptional service to our customers. This strategic expansion aligns with our vision to enhance accessibility and elevate the overall c-store supply experience,” said Russ Mancuso, USTC’s senior vice president of consumer products.
USTC processes U.S. flue-cured tobacco grown by its more than 550 member growers in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. It has several subsidiaries, including Chesterfield, Missouri-based Premier Manufacturing, which is the primary hub for product distribution for the consumer products division of USTC.
The companies work with convenience-store distributors like Core-Mark, as well as c-store chains like EG America's Cumberland Farms, Nouria Energy Corp., Circle K and Stewart's Shops, according to its website.
By combining both VP Distributors and Premier Manufacturing, USTC aims to leverage synergies, grow its customer base and provide an improved customer experience, it said. The acquisition will also create new opportunities for VP’s customers and their employees, USTC said.
As USTC invests in strategic partnerships and acquisitions, it remains steadfast in its mission to be at the forefront of delivering exceptional products and services in the c-store channel, it said.
Its other subsidiaries include U.S. Flue-Cured Tobacco Growers, Franchise Wholesale, Big South Distribution and King Maker Marketing Inc., which sell products under brand names like Wildhorse, 1839, Shield, 1st Class, Ace, Ultra Buy and Traffic.
VP Distributors started in 2002 and is a distributor that carries cigarettes, pipe tobacco, tubes, filtered cigars, vape/e-cigarettes and CBD products.
Want to learn more about the tobacco category? Check out our event CRU in Nashville Feb. 28-March 1, 2024. Sponsors can gain 15 one-to-one meetings with qualified retailers.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.