Chicago’s Fulton Market Meat Processing Company Acquired by Whetstone Distribution

June 20, 2024

The acquisition is expected to bring expanded opportunities to Fulton Market through combination of expertise and resources from both companies.

Andy Hanacek

Chicago-based meat processor, importer and distributor Fulton Market has been acquired by Whetstone Distribution, backed by private-equity firm Shore Capital Partners.

The Whetstone deal is anticipated to expand Fulton’s presence in Chicago, and it comes on the heels of its acquisition of Pritzlaff Wholesale Meats in May. Fulton produces premium quality fresh beef, veal, lamb, pork, poultry and seafood to fine-dining restaurants, hotels, butcher shops and grocery stores in Chicago, and has been led by three generations of the Lustman family — after it was founded in 1932 by Joseph Lustman.

Whetstone and Fulton expect to grow their distribution capabilities and provide greater value to customers through their combined expertise and resources, the announcement of the deal said.

About the Author

Andy Hanacek | Senior Editor

Andy Hanacek has covered meat, poultry, bakery and snack foods as a B2B editor for nearly 20 years, and has toured hundreds of processing plants and food companies, sharing stories of innovation and technological advancement throughout the food supply chain. In 2018, he won a Folio:Eddie Award for his unique "From the Editor's Desk" video blogs, and he has brought home additional awards from Folio and ASBPE over the years. In addition, Hanacek led the Meat Industry Hall of Fame for several years and was vice president of communications for We R Food Safety, a food safety software and consulting company.