--- title: Carmela Foods Expands Into Kentucky with Acquisition of J. Prescott Company description: Carmela Foods expands into Kentucky with the acquisition of J. Prescott Company of Cincinnati Ohio, strengthening its specialty food portfolio and Midwest footprint. image: https://carmelafoods.com/hubfs/jprescott%20image.png --- [![CARMELA](https://carmelafoods.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CARMELA.png?width=250&height=68&name=CARMELA.png "CARMELA")](https://carmelafoods.com) [![CARMELA](https://carmelafoods.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CARMELA.png?width=250&height=68&name=CARMELA.png "CARMELA")](https://carmelafoods.com/) # Carmela Foods This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. - [About Us](https://carmelafoods.com/about-us) - [Signature Portfolio](https://carmelafoods.com/signature-portfolio) - [Food Shows](https://carmelafoods.com/food-shows) - [Blog](https://carmelafoods.com/blog) - [Catalogs](https://carmelafoods.com/our-catalogs) - [Contact Us](https://carmelafoods.com/contact-us) - [Create An Account](https://carmelafoods.com/new-customer) - [Place Order](https://app.cutanddry.com/catalog/carmela?verifiedVendorId=174874579&categoryId=1&page=1) This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. # Carmela Foods Expands Into Kentucky with Acquisition of J. Prescott Company by [Carmela Staff](https://carmelafoods.com/blog/author/carmela-staff) | May 15, 2026 ## A Strategic Step Forward, Built on Shared Values Growth at Carmela Foods has always been rooted in relationships. That philosophy continues with the company’s latest milestone: the acquisition of J. Prescott Company, a respected name built on more than four decades of trusted service. This strategic move not only strengthens Carmela’s specialty food portfolio but also marks its expansion into the Kentucky market, including Lexington and Louisville. [View Press Release](https://carmelafoods.com/hubfs/Carmela_Press%20Release_2026.pdf) ## Built on the Same Foundation Founded by John Prescott, J. Prescott Company earned a reputation for consistency, quality, and personalized service across the region. That same mindset is what originally fueled Anthony Tocco when he launched Carmela Foods in 1992 with just one brand and one customer. That shared belief made this partnership a natural fit.   ## As John Prescott steps back from daily operations, Carmela is committed to honoring the legacy he built. “Anthony and I built our companies the same way, from the ground up, one customer at a time,” said Prescott. ## What This Means for Customers ### **Unlocking New Opportunities** The transition ensures continuity for J. Prescott customers while unlocking new opportunities: - Expanded product offerings across specialty categories - Increased operational support and resources - Access to a broader distribution network - Continued commitment to personalized service Customers can expect the same trusted relationships, now backed by Carmela’s scale and infrastructure. ### **Strengthening the Portfolio** As part of this next phase, Carmela will continue to collaborate with Chef Source and its owner Roger Kreager to support key categories like: - Chocolate - Desserts - Specialty ingredients This ensures depth in high-demand categories while maintaining product integrity and expertise. ### **A New Chapter in Kentucky** The expansion into Kentucky represents more than geography. It signals continued growth across both retail and foodservice channels, opening doors for: - New customer relationships - Regional brand partnerships - Increased market presence in the Midwest ## Rooted in Relationships, Growing with Purpose Carmela Foods remains focused on long-term growth, strong partnerships, premium products, and exceptional service, and this acquisition is not just an expansion but a continuation of the philosophy that has guided both companies from the very beginning. ### [St. Elmo Now Sold at Carmela: Bring Legendary Steakhouse Flavor to Every Meal Aug 25, 2026](https://carmelafoods.com/blog/st-elmo-now-sold-at-carmela) ### [Meet Carmela’s Newest Brands Aug 21, 2026](https://carmelafoods.com/blog/meet-carmelas-newest-brands) ### [Feed the Future Fall Food Show 2026: Vendor & Broker Registration Is Now Open Jul 14, 2026](https://carmelafoods.com/blog/feed-the-future-2026) ### [Sonrisa Now Sold at Carmela: Discover the Joy of Authentic Spanish Flavor Jul 7, 2026](https://carmelafoods.com/blog/sonrisa-manchego) - - - - Topics:   [news](https://carmelafoods.com/blog/tag/news) Recent posts [St. Elmo Now Sold at Carmela: Bring Legendary Steakhouse Flavor to Every Meal](https://carmelafoods.com/blog/st-elmo-now-sold-at-carmela) [Meet Carmela’s Newest Brands](https://carmelafoods.com/blog/meet-carmelas-newest-brands) [Feed the Future Fall Food Show 2026: Vendor & Broker Registration Is Now Open](https://carmelafoods.com/blog/feed-the-future-2026) [Sonrisa Now Sold at Carmela: Discover the Joy of Authentic Spanish Flavor](https://carmelafoods.com/blog/sonrisa-manchego) [Stone & Skillet English Muffins Now Available Through Carmela Foods: Bringing Authentic New England Bakery Quality to the Midwest](https://carmelafoods.com/blog/stone-skillet) [![CARMELA](https://carmelafoods.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CARMELA.png?width=200&height=55&name=CARMELA.png "CARMELA")](https://carmelafoods.com) FOLLOW US [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/carmelaspecialtyfoods/) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/carmelafoods/) [Follow us on X](https://twitter.com/CarmelaFoods) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/carmelafoods/) - [Home](https://carmelafoods.com) - [About Us](https://carmelafoods.com/about-us) - [Catalogs](https://carmelafoods.com/our-catalogs) - [Join Our Team](https://assets.nicepagecdn.com/ea358cbe/1804200/files/EmploymentApplication.pdf) - [Carmela Merchandise](https://carmelacompanystore.itemorder.com/shop/home/) - [Contact Us](https://carmelafoods.com/contact-us) - [Order Online](https://app.cutanddry.com/catalog/carmela?verifiedVendorId=174874579&categoryId=1&page=1) - [Looking for a Distributor](https://form.jotform.com/251204551281043) © 2025 Carmela Foods, Inc.  |  [Privacy Policy](https://carmelafoods.com/privacy-policy)      ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Carmela Staff", "url" : "https://carmelafoods.com/blog/author/carmela-staff" }, "dateModified" : "2026-05-15T15:39:20.013Z", "datePublished" : "2026-05-15T05:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "Carmela Foods Expands Into Kentucky with Acquisition of J. Prescott Company", "image" : [ "https://carmelafoods.com/hubfs/jprescott%20image.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://carmelafoods.com/blog/prescott-expansion", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://carmelafoods.com/hubfs/CARMELA.png" }, "name" : "Carmela Foods, Inc." } } ```