Two Family Farms Merge To Help Meet High Demand in Melons
March 30, 2022 Martori Farms, a top grower and shipper of melons nationwide, recently announced its acquisition of Santa Rosa Produce. The merging of the two well-known farms will increase the supply for high-demand melons and create more than 500 additional jobs at Martori Farms.
Martori Farms, located throughout Arizona and California, currently produces domestically from May until December. As the demand for their melons have steadily increased over the years, the acquisition of Santa Rose Produce comes at the perfect time to help them expand the much-needed acreage to keep up their melon supply.
“We are thrilled and honored to announce the acquisition of Santa Rosa Produce,” Steve Martori III, CEO of Martori Farms says. “The merging of these two family-owned and operated farms will allow us to produce more melons than ever before while ensuring the high quality, best flavor and consistency in each and every melon our customers have come to expect and enjoy.”
Combined, Martori Farms and Santa Rosa Produce will have more than 18,000 acres of melon production, making them the largest grower of cantaloupe, watermelon, honeydew, and golden honeydew in the U.S.
Martori Farms will be bringing their revolutionary Hot Wash Process to Santa Rosa Produce’s melons. This technique has been proven to significantly reduce environmental bacteria and pathogens on melons. An innovative adaptation in food safety technology, the hot water produce shower includes a 20-second shower with water in excess of 162 degrees Fahrenheit, which pasteurizes the melon skin while avoiding any injury to the fruit.
“Martori Farm’s commitment to melon quality, food safety and employee retention made them a perfect candidate to continue the legacy of our farm,” says Cindi Pearson, co-founder of Santa Rosa Produce. “We know Santa Rosa Produce is in good hands with the leadership of the Martori family, their state-of the-art-technology and their exuberant passion for growing the purest, best-tasting melons.”
With 1,000 current employees, Martori Farms will now grow to 1,500 employees to maintain Santa Rosa’s dedicated staff.
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