Uniting a Century-Old Legacy with Modern Innovation in California’s Melon Industry

Martori Farms, the nation’s premier grower and distributor of high-quality melons, has announced a strategic acquisition that will extend its operations into one of the world’s most fertile agricultural regions.

On March 5, 2025, the company declared its plans to acquire the assets of V.H. Azhderian & Co., a historic player in the melon industry, thereby solidifying its presence in California’s prolific San Joaquin Valley.

This bold move marks a significant expansion for Martori Farms, as it integrates a century-old legacy of excellence into its forward-looking production strategy.

The acquisition centers on the esteemed operations of V.H. Azhderian & Co., a company whose roots trace back to 1915 when V.H. Azhderian first began cultivating and shipping melons in the Imperial Valley.

Over the course of more than 100 years, the firm developed a robust reputation by operating key facilities in locations such as Holtville, Turlock, Dos Palos, and the historic downtown facility in Los Banos.

Known for pioneering innovations in melon packing and shipping under the respected Three Star label, Azhderian built a legacy synonymous with quality and consistency that has endured through generations.

The deep-seated traditions of excellence at Azhderian now form an integral part of Martori Farms’ expansion plans.

Central to this integration is the appointment of Berj Moosekian, a veteran of the Azhderian family business who managed the company’s melon operations from the mid-1990s onward.

Moosekian’s new role as Director of California Agricultural Operations at Martori Farms brings decades of industry expertise and leadership experience to the table.

His task will be to seamlessly integrate the Los Banos facility into Martori Farms’ growing network while optimizing the production, cooling, storage, and distribution processes.

This collaboration is expected to enhance operational efficiency and further cement the company’s commitment to delivering premium melons across the United States.

“We are honored to carry forward the legacy of V.H. Azhderian & Co. and to expand our footprint in California’s premier melon-growing region. 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.”

Steve Martori, CEO of Martori Farms

The move into California’s San Joaquin Valley is particularly significant given the region’s reputation for agricultural excellence.

Known for its fertile soil and optimal growing conditions, the valley offers an ideal environment for melon cultivation, which is expected to bolster Martori Farms’ production capabilities.

The Los Banos facility, with its state-of-the-art infrastructure, will serve as a critical hub for enhanced cooling, storage, and nationwide distribution.

This expansion is not only set to increase output but also to ensure that the quality and freshness of the melons are maintained from field to market.

Martori Farms’ decision to acquire the assets of V.H. Azhderian & Co. reflects a broader strategy aimed at consolidating expertise and resources in the produce industry.

By incorporating the historical know-how of a longstanding industry leader with its modern operational framework, Martori Farms is well-positioned to meet growing consumer demand for premium, locally sourced melons.

Industry analysts view this merger as a forward-thinking response to the evolving market landscape, one that promises to drive innovation and set new standards for quality in melon production.