SAN FRANCISCO, CA - GrubMarket has had its eyes on growth in the fresh produce industry for some time now, as it continues to pull back the curtain on pivotal acquisitions within the sector. Shortly after acquiring Vaccaro & Sons and Sierra Produce, the wholesaler revealed it it continuing its streak with the acquisition of Pacific Farm Management.

“The employment landscape in California’s agricultural sector has changed dramatically over the past 5 years. Labor is not only a critical component in agriculture, but also oftentimes the costliest,” said Mike Xu, CEO of GrubMarket. “The PFM team has successfully captured opportunities in this changing landscape by investing considerable time and resources to create unique programs for its clients’ operations and became a leader in California. Since its inception in 2014, PFM has experienced exponential growth while maintaining sustainability. This acquisition enables GrubMarket to further deepen its software domain knowledge in the areas of staffing, payroll, and insurance, and broaden the capabilities supported by our software. It will also significantly strengthen GrubMarket’s connection and sourcing network with farms on the West Coast.”

The Madera, California-based PFM team is composed of experienced field personnel, financial leaders, safety compliance officers, and a human resources team. With over 2,500 year-round employees, PFM covers a wide spectrum of crops and provides full-service farm labor, temporary and seasonal staffing, as well as outsourced payroll and personnel services to farms across California, Oregon, and Arizona, according to a press release.

“We are excited to join the GrubMarket team and welcome the opportunities brought forth by GrubMarket’s robust technology platform and network. We are constantly striving for the best client service and committed to improving farm management experiences by utilizing software, innovative business models, and creative solutions to generate savings for our clients,” said Ahmed Alamari, CEO of Pacific Farm Management. “We are thrilled to learn that GrubMarket shares this same mission. We sincerely look forward to joining the GrubMarket Team and bringing Pacific Farm Management to the next level of success.”

In addition to staffing and payroll services, the company also provides pesticide application and field development services, planting over 10,000 acres of nut crops and vines every year, and manages entire farms for its ag partners. Following the acquisition, PFM will continue to be managed by its existing leadership team. The financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.

“We are excited to welcome the Pacific Farm Management team to the GrubMarket family,” Xu continued. “Together, we will build a greater customer base and a stronger farmer network in the food ecosystem of California and beyond.”

As the wholesaler further pursues growth in fresh produce, ANUK will continue to report on the ambitious strategies it enacts on the way.

GrubMarket Pacific Farm Management