Schmieding expands watermelon network with N.C. purchase

Schmieding Produce, which ships watermelons grown in most of the major watermelon areas in the U.S., has acquired North Carolina grower Moore’s Produce.

Schmieding, Springdale, Ark., called Moore’s Produce, Turkey, N.C., a “great asset to the continued growth” of the company’s watermelon program, in a news release.

“Moore’s Produce and (former owner) Tony Moore have an impeccable reputation in the industry for delivering quality products and conducting business with a high level of integrity,” Lester Woerner, chairman of Schmieding owner Woerner Food & Ag Group LLC, said in a news release.

“This acquisition continues help Schmieding execute on our plans to expand our operations across North America,” Woerner said in the release.

Moore said he will remain at the new Schmieding watermelon operation in an executive managerial role, and the purchase brings “great potential” for the company.

Schmieding grows a variety of potatoes for the fresh and processing markets, as well as carrots, pumpkins and other produce for retail, processing and wholesale sectors, according to the release.

“We continue to look for good opportunities to expand our ability to serve our customers and growers in the produce industry through the acquisition of quality operations,” Woerner said in the release.