O’Melveny Advises GrubMarket in Acquisitions of SPUD and JR Holland

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SAN FRANCISCO—August 27, 2026—O’Melveny advised GrubMarket, an AI-powered technology enabler and digital transformer of the American food supply chain industry, as well as one of the largest private food eCommerce companies globally, in its acquisitions of British Columbia-based Sustainable Produce Urban Delivery Inc. ("SPUD"), a leading online grocery service renowned for its deep commitment to the local sourcing of high-quality food for consumers, and UK-based JR Holland, one of the leading fresh produce and foodservice distributors servicing North East England and Scotland.

The SPUD acquisition was announced on July 21 and marks a key milestone for GrubMarket, expanding the company's B2C eCommerce reach in key Canadian markets across British Columbia and Alberta. 

The JR Holland acquisition was announced on August 18, marking GrubMarket's first entry into the UK.

The O’Melveny team advising Grubmarket’s acquisition of SPUD was led by partners Portia Ku and Wenting Yu, and associate Robin Zhang. 

The O’Melveny team advising GrubMarket’s acquisition of JR Holland was led by partners Portia Ku, Wenting Yu, Sevda Staykova, Jan Birtwell, and Stéphane Frank, counsel Hannah Gong, and associates Christopher Ndegwa and George Duncan. 

About O’Melveny

It’s more than what you do: it’s how you do it. Across sectors and borders, in board rooms and courtrooms, we measure our success by yours. And in our interactions, we commit to making your O’Melveny experience as satisfying as the outcomes we help you achieve. Our greatest accomplishment is ensuring that you never have to choose between premier lawyering and exceptional service. So, tell us. What do you want to achieve? Visit us at www.omm.com; learn more in our firm at-a-glance; and find us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Contact:

Brandon Jacobsen
O’Melveny & Myers LLP
+1 213 430 8024
bjacobsen@omm.com

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GrubMarket issued the following announcement for the SPUD acquisition:

GrubMarket Acquires SPUD, a Leading Canadian Online Grocery Company

SAN FRANCISCO, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- GrubMarket, an AI-powered technology enabler and digital transformer of the American food supply chain industry, as well as one of the largest private food eCommerce companies globally, today announced it has completed the acquisition of Vancouver, British Columbia-based Sustainable Produce Urban Delivery Inc. ("SPUD"), a leading online grocery service renowned for its deep commitment to the local sourcing of high-quality food for consumers. This strategic acquisition marks a key milestone for GrubMarket, expanding the company's B2C eCommerce reach in key Canadian markets across British Columbia and Alberta, with a strong and well-established brand.

Founded in Vancouver in 1997 as Small Potatoes Urban Delivery, SPUD has become one of Western Canada's leading online grocery businesses, known for connecting consumers with high-quality food sourced from hundreds of local farmers, ranchers, fishers, and artisan producers. The company operates three distribution centers totaling over 85,000 square feet in Burnaby, Calgary, and Edmonton. Its custom fleet of refrigerated vans helps ensure that the highest product quality is maintained through delivery to each customer's doorstep. SPUD offers a wide array of products ranging across the fresh produce, dairy, meat, seafood, and pantry categories, as well as prepared meals and artisanal goods.

SPUD stands out in the competitive grocery delivery marketplace by combining a seamless online shopping experience with a commitment to transparent supply chain practices and support for local agriculture. Through long-standing relationships with more than 800 local farmers, producers, and food entrepreneurs, SPUD has built one of Western Canada's most differentiated local food ecosystems. This network enables the company to offer customers exceptional freshness while supporting regional food production and reducing supply chain complexity.

Throughout its history, SPUD has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to advancing positive social and environmental outcomes through responsible business operations; for example, using reusable bins to reduce waste. Its sourcing strategy supports the local farming economy while mitigating the environmental impacts associated with complex and fragmented supply chains. The SPUD sourcing team also ensures that every product sold meets rigorous standards for both quality and environmental responsibility.

SPUD was backed by Third Eye Capital (TEC), a leading Canadian provider of flexible capital solutions to businesses undergoing change, challenge or complexity. SPUD's brick-and-mortar retail banners, Blush Lane Organic Market and Be Fresh Market, were not included in the transaction and will continue to operate separately under TEC-backed ownership.

Claude Church, CEO of SPUD, said: "This transaction represents an exciting new chapter for SPUD. Our mission has always been to build a more sustainable food system by connecting Western Canadian communities with high quality, responsibly-sourced food. With GrubMarket's technology, scale, and operational expertise, we believe SPUD is well positioned to amplify its impact, strengthen its support for local farmers and producers, and reach more households that share our values."

The acquisition of SPUD represents synergies in both companies' growth trajectories as well as their shared passion for driving technology adoption across the food supply chain industry. With the addition of SPUD, GrubMarket continues to execute on its strategic plan to expand the reach of its B2C service offerings. Furthermore, TEC elected to participate in GrubMarket's Series H preferred stock financing to support the ongoing modernization of the food supply chain through GrubMarket's proprietary suite of AI-enabled products that improve efficiency and reduce waste.

Mike Xu, CEO of GrubMarket, added: "SPUD has built an impressive and trusted brand with a loyal customer base that values local sourcing, quality, and sustainability. We are excited to combine GrubMarket's extensive network, resources, and technology with SPUD's established operations and strong presence throughout Western Canada. Furthermore, our values align; like GrubMarket, SPUD has leveraged its successes to support local farmers and promote sustainable agricultural practices. This acquisition allows us to continue expanding our presence in Canada and strengthen our position in the food supply chain industry."

After the acquisition, SPUD will continue to be managed by its experienced team, ensuring continuity and ongoing operational excellence for customers and partners. Customers, suppliers and employees can expect to benefit from GrubMarket's technology platform, purchasing scale, and operational capabilities.

As part of GrubMarket's portfolio, SPUD will have access to GrubMarket's suite of proprietary AI-powered technology solutions, including WholesaleWare, a software-as-a-service (SaaS) ERP platform that provides food industry wholesalers, distributors, and shippers with seamless financial management, powerful sales support, precise inventory management, lot traceability, grower accounting, and automated routing and logistics; GrubAssist AI, GrubMarket's groundbreaking suite of agentic enterprise AI assistants that empower food supply chain businesses with deep insights, intelligent analysis, and workflow automation; Orders IO, GrubMarket's custom-branded mobile and online ordering eCommerce solution; and GrubPay, the company's digital payments platform specifically designed for the needs of the food supply chain industry.

About GrubMarket

GrubMarket is an AI-powered technology enabler and digital transformer of the American food supply chain industry, as well as one of the largest private food eCommerce companies globally. As the enterprise AI solutions provider for the American food supply chain, a first mover in the tech-enabled B2B food eCommerce space, and a pioneer offering cutting-edge, AI-powered software-as-a-service solutions, GrubMarket uses technology to fundamentally transform the American and global food supply chain. GrubMarket was named to the prestigious CNBC Disruptor 50 list for three consecutive years from 2022 to 2025. In 2026, GrubMarket was named to TIME's list of the TIME100 Companies Industry Leaders. GrubMarket operates in all 50 U.S. states and has a global presence in Argentina, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, India, Mexico, South Africa, and Spain, with plans to expand further across the U.S., Canada, South America, Europe, Africa, and other parts of the world.

For Media Inquiries:

GrubMarket Media Team
Email: media@grubmarket.com

GrubMarket issued the following announcement for the JR Holland acquisition:

GrubMarket Expands into the UK with the Acquisition of Fresh Produce Leader, JR Holland

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- GrubMarket, the AI-powered technology enabler and digital transformer of the American food supply chain industry, today announced it has completed the acquisition of UK-based JR Holland, one of the leading fresh produce and foodservice distributors servicing North East England and Scotland. This acquisition marks GrubMarket's first entry into the UK and represents an important milestone as the company continues to expand its global market presence and drive technology adoption across the food supply chain industry.

Founded in 1983 by John Holland, JR Holland has supplied fresh produce, dairy, meat, bakery, and pantry items to customers across the hospitality, education, healthcare, and public sectors for more than four decades. Based in Gateshead, the company operates two locations in the Newcastle area totaling 65,000 square feet and employs a team of over 120 employees. Today, JR Holland completes more than 3,000 deliveries each week with a fleet of 32 modern, temperature-controlled vehicles, serving customers six days a week through its robust distribution network.

JR Holland offers more than 3,000 fresh products, including more than 1,000 varieties of fruits and vegetables. The company has built its strong reputation on its wide product breadth, dependable high-volume delivery, responsive customer service, and enduring customer and supplier relationships. Its dedicated quality-control team maintains complete product traceability for every order. The company's returnable crate program, backhaul practices, packaging-recycling initiatives, and technology-enabled route planning further support operations that are both efficient and environmentally responsible.

"Joining GrubMarket marks an exciting new chapter for JR Holland, our employees, and our customers," said John Holland, founder of JR Holland. "I am incredibly proud of the business and team we have built over the past 43 years. GrubMarket recognized the strength of JR Holland and our experienced management team from the beginning. With GrubMarket's technology, resources, and extensive industry network, JR Holland is exceptionally well positioned for long-term success."

"JR Holland has built an outstanding legacy in North East England and Scotland through its exceptional customer service, strong operational capability, and deep commitment to quality," said Mike Xu, CEO of GrubMarket. "We are thrilled to welcome JR Holland to the GrubMarket family as our first acquisition in the UK. Its experienced team, broad product offering, established distribution network, and leadership position in foodservice distribution offer a strong foundation. Together, we will leverage GrubMarket's AI-powered technologies, global network, and operational expertise to help accelerate its next phase of growth."

Following the acquisition, JR Holland will retain its brand and continue to be managed by its experienced leadership team, ensuring continuity for customers, suppliers, and employees.

As part of GrubMarket's portfolio, JR Holland will enjoy the advantages offered by GrubMarket's suite of proprietary AI-powered technology solutions, including WholesaleWare, a software-as-a-service (SaaS) ERP platform that provides food industry wholesalers, distributors, and shippers with seamless financial management, powerful sales support, precise inventory management, lot traceability, grower accounting, and automated routing and logistics; GrubAssist AI, GrubMarket's groundbreaking suite of agentic enterprise AI assistants that empower food supply chain businesses with deep insights, intelligent analyses, and workflow automation; Orders IO, GrubMarket's custom-branded mobile and online ordering eCommerce solution; and GrubPay, the company's digital payments platform specifically designed for the needs of the food supply chain industry.

About GrubMarket

GrubMarket is the AI-powered technology enabler and digital transformer of the American food supply chain industry, as well as one of the largest private food eCommerce companies globally. As the enterprise AI solutions provider for the American food supply chain, a first mover in the tech-enabled B2B food eCommerce space, and a pioneer offering cutting-edge, AI-powered software-as-a-service solutions, GrubMarket uses technology to fundamentally transform the American and global food supply chain. GrubMarket was named to the prestigious CNBC Disruptor 50 list for three consecutive years from 2023 to 2025. In 2026, GrubMarket was named to TIME's list of the TIME100 Companies Industry Leaders. GrubMarket operates in all 50 U.S. states and has a global presence in Argentina, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, India, Mexico, South Africa, Spain, and the UK, with plans to expand further across the U.S., Canada, South America, Europe, Africa, and other parts of the world.

For Media Inquiries:
GrubMarket Media Team
Email: media@grubmarket.com