Stemilt, Dovex Merge

Stemilt announced last week that it was joining forces with Dovex Fruit Co. to become the leading tree fruit growing, packing and marketing operation in the nation.

“Stemilt has embarked on a strong pattern of growth over the past decade, and we are excited to continue this growth by bringing Dovex into our operations,” said West Mathison, Stemilt president, in a press release. “By integrating the strengths of our two companies, we look to continue delivering premium fruits to the marketplace while extending the programs and services we provide to our valued customers.”

Through the deal, Dovex Marketing and Packing will be combined into Stemilt’s operations, and the high-quality fruit that both companies are known for will be marketed under the Stemilt label. Stemilt will gain approximately 175,000 bins of fruit storage and a state-of-the-art apple packing facility. The Dovex facility neighbors Stemilt’s primary packing and shipping facility in Wenatchee, Wash. The close proximity of the two facilities is expected to drive continuity into Stemilt’s operations, Mathison said.

On the farming side, Dovex Orchards will become a grower for Stemilt, adding to the company’s growth in apples, pears, cherries, stone fruit and organics over the past decade. In total, Stemilt will have more than 17,000 captive acres owned by itself and its marketing partners heading into the 2010 summer and fall harvests, according to the press release.

Additionally, Jay Fulbright, general manager of Dovex Fruit Co., will join Stemilt’s executive team. Mauro Felizia, executive vice president of Dovex Holding Co., will become a member of Stemilt’s board of directors. The Dovex Export Co. will continue to function independently, according to the press release.

Both Stemilt and Dovex are family run companies that started decades ago. Stemilt was founded in 1964 by the late Tom Mathison, while the De Nadai family established Dovex in 1982.

“Stemilt and Dovex were founded on similar principles that directly relate to our mission of building consumer demand for tree fruit in order to deliver return to the land,” Mathison said. “By bringing together the strengths of our organizations, Stemilt will be able to offer the most complete menu of products and services within our industry, providing great solutions for growers and retailers alike.”