GrubMarket Acquires Schoenmann Produce for Gulf Coast Expansion

GrubMarket has significantly expanded its operational footprint along the U.S. Gulf Coast through the acquisition of Schoenmann Produce, a Houston-based distributor with over a century of experience. This strategic move deepens GrubMarket's penetration into vital produce markets, integrating a well-established regional player into its technologically advanced food supply chain network.

Founded in 1910, Schoenmann Produce commands a strong legacy, serving a diverse clientele across the foodservice, retail, wholesale, healthcare, education, and maritime sectors throughout Texas and Louisiana. The company's extensive product catalog features both everyday staples and specialized produce, with a notable emphasis on locally sourced Texas-grown items. This acquisition is particularly impactful given the growing consumer demand for regional and traceable food products, a trend that has seen the U.S. produce market valued at over $60 billion annually.

The operational capabilities of Schoenmann Produce are anchored by its substantial 90,000-square-foot facility near Houston's Hobby Airport. This site is equipped with advanced cold storage, refrigerated logistics, and dedicated ripening rooms, underscoring a commitment to maintaining product integrity and freshness. Adherence to stringent food safety protocols and quality assurance, validated by third-party inspections, aligns seamlessly with GrubMarket's own high operational standards.

This integration promises to inject GrubMarket's proprietary AI-driven software suite into Schoenmann Produce's established operations. Tools such as WholesaleWare for enterprise resource planning, GrubAssist AI for automation and data analysis, Orders IO for digital commerce, and GrubPay for financial transactions are expected to enhance efficiency and visibility across the supply chain. The broader food distribution technology market is experiencing rapid innovation, with AI adoption projected to drive significant cost savings and operational improvements.

The combination of Schoenmann Produce's established distribution network and GrubMarket's technological prowess is designed to streamline operations, improve supply chain transparency, and foster continued expansion within the food distribution ecosystem. This move is consistent with GrubMarket's ongoing strategy to modernize the food supply chain through targeted acquisitions and technological integration, aiming to create a more efficient and responsive system for all stakeholders, from growers to end consumers.

Mark Steakley, President of Schoenmann Produce, expressed optimism about the future, stating, “Joining GrubMarket reflects an important moment in the continued evolution of Schoenmann Produce. For more than a century, our company has consistently operated on the principles of quality, service, and integrity, and we are proud of the deep trust we have earned from our customers and partners over the years. With GrubMarket, we can build a future that aligns with these shared core values, while leveraging an innovative-driven approach to long-term growth.” Mike Xu, CEO of GrubMarket, added, “Schoenmann Produce has built an impressive business with real staying power in one of the country’s most important regional produce markets. Their longstanding customer relationships, broad product capabilities, and well-developed infrastructure extending from their Houston headquarters 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 region.”