Melon grower and distributor Martori Farms says it is acquiring the assets of V.H. Azhderian and Co., marking the company’s expansion into California’s highly productive San Joaquin Valley, one of the most fertile growing regions in the world.
V.H. Azhderian and Co. roots in the melon industry date back to 1915, when V.H. Azhderian began growing and shipping melons in the Imperial Valley. Over its 100 plus-year tenure, the company operated in several key locations, including Holtville, Turlock, Dos Palos and its historic downtown facility in Los Banos.
The company was a pioneer in melon packing and shipping, establishing itself as one of the longest-tenured melon operations in Los Banos, and under the Three Star label, Azhderian melons became widely recognized for their quality and excellence in the marketplace, according to a news release.
As part of the acquisition, Berj Moosekian, a longtime leader in the Azhderian family business, will join Martori Farms as director of California agricultural operations. Moosekian, who managed the family’s melon operations starting in the mid-1990s, brings a wealth of experience and industry knowledge to his new role, according to the release. Martori Farms said his leadership will be instrumental in overseeing its expansion in California and ensuring the successful integration of the Los Banos facility into the company’s operations.
“We are honored to carry forward the legacy of V.H. Azhderian and Co. and to expand our footprint in California’s premier melon-growing region,” said Martori Farms CEO Steve Martori. “With Berj Moosekian leading our California agricultural operations and our continued commitment to delivering premium melons under the Kandy label, we are poised for a successful future in the region.”
Martori Farms said it plans to leverage the Los Banos facility to enhance its production capabilities, ensuring efficient cooling, storage and distribution of its melons across the country. By integrating this site into its operations, the company continues its commitment to innovation and excellence in the produce industry, the release said.
