By Malia Spencer – Portland Inno, Portland Business Journal
Nov 6, 2026
Organically Grown Co. bought its longtime supply chain partner Heath & Lejeune for an undisclosed sum. The deal was completed between the privately held companies through a stock purchase.
Heath & Lejeune is based in Commerce, California, in southeast Los Angeles County. The company was founded in 1981 and supplies certified organic produce to retailers and distributors. The company has logistics services that connect trading partners in the U.S. and Canada, according to a news release. It also has a 43,000-square-foot warehouse.
For OGC, which is owned by the Sustainable Food & Agriculture Perpetual Trust, the deal bolsters its presence in Southern California and expands its distribution network.
“OGC and Heath & Lejeune have worked together for decades, and we've long respected their expertise and commitment to organic agriculture," said Brenna Davis, CEO of Organically Grown, in a written statement. “By bringing our teams and capabilities together, we see tremendous potential to serve our customers and growers, strengthen our supply chain and support the continued growth of organic agriculture.”
n the near term, the two businesses will continue to operate separately with a “phased approach” to integration. Customers shouldn’t see major changes in business continuity or relationships, the companies said in a news release. OGC has 280 employees and Heath & Lejeune has 27 employees. The Commerce, California facility will become and important hub for OGC in Southern California, the company said.
“We've known and worked with OGC for a long time and share a deep commitment to organic agriculture,” said Rick Lejeune, CEO of Heath & Lejeune, in a written statement. “Bringing our businesses together creates an opportunity to build on that commitment. OGC is the standard bearer for the organic movement, and we are honored to follow in their footsteps."
The deal was facilitated by ImpactGC, a law firm that works with mission-driven businesses and Steward Market, a platform that connects potential partners.
Last year, the Portland company made another big move in California by acquiring a Central Valley citrus ranch.
OGC, which was founded in 1978, is an Oregon benefit company and is owned by a perpetual trust. The ownership structure ensures the company can’t be sold and its mission to nourish people and the planet can’t be diminished.