GrubMarket Expands Presence with Acquisition of Schoenmann Produce

In a strategic move to strengthen its foothold in the Gulf Coast region, GrubMarket has successfully acquired Schoenmann Produce, a well-established distributor based in Houston, Texas. With over a century of service to the Gulf Coast, Schoenmann Produce is recognized as one of the oldest produce houses in the state.

Integrating Tradition with Technology

This acquisition not only adds historical significance to GrubMarket’s operations but also integrates Schoenmann into GrubMarket’s innovative, artificial intelligence-powered supply chain platform. The merged capabilities are expected to enhance efficiency and broaden service offerings across various sectors.

Clientele and Portfolio

Schoenmann Produce has developed a diverse portfolio that caters to multiple sectors including foodservice, retail, wholesale, healthcare, and education across Texas and Louisiana. Under the guidance of owner Cary Hoffman and President Mark Steakley, the company has successfully built strong relationships within the local community and beyond, supported by a diverse range of both global imports and Texas-grown crops.

Leadership Quotes

Mike Xu, CEO of GrubMarket, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition: “Schoenmann Produce has built an impressive business with real staying power in one of the country’s most important regional produce markets.” He further noted, “Their longstanding customer relationships, broad product capabilities, and well-developed infrastructure make them a strong strategic fit for GrubMarket as we continue to strengthen our presence in key U.S. produce markets, including Texas and the Gulf Coast.”

Facility Features

The acquisition includes Schoenmann’s impressive 90,000-square-foot facility located near Houston’s Hobby Airport. This facility boasts 75,000 square feet of cold storage, dedicated ripening rooms specifically for bananas and avocados, and a fully refrigerated dock. Notably, the site has recently achieved a perfect food safety score of 100 from Primus.

Modernizing Operations

In the wake of the acquisition, Schoenmann Produce will adopt GrubMarket’s proprietary software tools, including WholesaleWare and GrubAssist AI. These systems aim to modernize traditional distribution workflows by offering digital ERP management, automated order processing, and real-time inventory tracking.

Looking Ahead

Mark Steakley, President of Schoenmann Produce, emphasized the significance of this partnership: “Joining GrubMarket reflects an important moment in the continued evolution of Schoenmann Produce. For over a century, our company has consistently operated on the principles of quality, service, and integrity. With GrubMarket, we can build a future that aligns with these shared core values, while leveraging an innovative approach for long-term growth.”

A Broader Vision

Based in San Francisco, GrubMarket continues to grow as a digital transformer in the American food supply chain. The company operates across all 50 states and has established a presence in South America, Europe, and Africa, setting the stage for significant advancements in food distribution and supply chain management.

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