September 26, 2019

By Lynda Kiernan

Sustainable food chain investor Paine Schwartz, an existing investor in Wawona Packing, has partnered with both Gerawan Farming and Wawona to facilitate a merger that creates the largest stone fruit producer in the U.S.

“This merger represents a tremendous milestone and the type of growth opportunity that we can achieve by leveraging Paine Schwartz’s agribusiness sector expertise and close collaboration with family-owned businesses,” said Kevin Schwartz, CEO, Paine Schwartz. “We look forward to this new chapter for two companies that have been incredibly successful on their own, and we believe they can achieve even greater success through this merger.”

Both third generation family-owned businesses located in the Central San Joaquin Valley, Fresno-based Gerawan is a pioneer in the stone fruit industry, including a best-in-class farming operation growing peaches, plums, and nectarines, harvesting and processing as many as 100,000 boxes of premium fruit per day. The company also has packing activities, and proprietary varieties that are marketed under the Prima® brand. Cutler-based Wawona Packing is a supplier of high-quality stone fruit, and a leading supplier in the organic sector of the category. 

“Over the last several years, we have focused on accelerating Wawona’s growth by building on the inherent strengths of our business and management team,” said Brent Smittcamp, executive chairman of Wawona. “Our acquisition last year of Burchell Nursery Inc. was one example, and now this historic merger with Gerawan takes it to yet another level. We are eager to bring the benefits of this merger to our employees, suppliers and customers.”

The resulting company, which will bring together Gerawan’s 200 employees and Wawaon’s 1,400 employees, will be led by Dan Gerawan as its largest individual shareholder and CEO, and will build upon the legacies and reputations of each of its partner-companies to create a strong platform from which to grow and innovate.

“At Gerawan, innovating on a large scale to grow, pack and ship the world’s best fruit has been key to our success, and those efforts have always hinged on investing in our employees,” said Gerawan. “These same values underpin Wawona’s success.  This merger is an exciting next step to unlock the full potential of both companies.”

The balance of the management team will consist of leaders from both companies, and Brent Smittcamp, who is also a significant shareholder in the new entity, will remain highly involved in the company.

“We have great respect for Wawona’s management and employees, all of whom share our passion for producing the highest-quality stone fruit,” said Gerawan.  “We look forward to working closely with them and the team at Paine Schwartz to deliver even more of the best quality fruit to our customers.”

“Dan’s experience and commitment are invaluable assets,” added Schwartz, “…and we look forward to supporting him in leading the combined company in this next stage of growth and value creation.”

– Lynda Kiernan is Editor with GAI Media and daily contributor to GAI News. If you would like to submit a contribution for consideration, please contact Ms. Kiernan at lkiernan@globalaginvesting.com.