The Pacific Coast Fruit Company, which has a distribution warehouse in Kent, is now the Pacific Coast Fresh Company.

One of the largest independent produce distributors in the Pacific Northwest, the Portland, Oregon-based company announced the new name in a Feb. 8 media release.

“The company’s new name signifies the brand’s commitment to providing fresh products for over 45 years, and its evolution beyond produce to include dairy, protein, grocery items, fresh-cut foods, prepared foods, a fresh floral program,and fresh local King Harvest hummus,” according to the media release. “In addition to exemplifying that they are fresh food distribution experts, the name change is also emblematic of their continued commitment to innovation, technological advancements and customer service.”

Founded in 1977, the company has an 83,000-square-foot distribution warehouse in Kent at 7250 S. 228th St., and a 90,000-square-foot warehouse in Portland. The company purchased the large Kent warehouse in 2014 to replace a Kent facility it opened in 2009. Combined from the two locations, Pacific Coast Fresh employs about 450.

To improve overall customer experience, the company’s recent digital transformation culminated in the launch of a new website and online ordering solution for its customers, as well as this year’s priority to make its truck fleet more environmentally compliant with an estimated 15% improvement on fuel efficiency.

“It is part of this company’s birth story to welcome change in our industry and use that to propel new growth opportunities,” said David Nemarnik, co-owner and CEO of Pacific Coast Fresh Company. “My father, the founder, knew that to be stagnant would be the downfall of a company, so always encouraged new ways of thinking, new processes, and new business ventures that aligned with the company mission and values. This has allowed Pacific Coast Fresh Company to grow and prosper over the past 46 years, even during tough times like the COVID-19 pandemic.”