Imagine consumers enjoying sweet tropical watermelons during cold winter months — this vision requires formidable supply chain capabilities. C.H. Robinson (CHRW), a global leader in third-party logistics, recently announced its subsidiary C.H. Robinson Company has completed the acquisition of Timco Worldwide, a premium melon supplier headquartered in Davis, California, specializing in watermelon supply and marketing.
This strategic acquisition marks C.H. Robinson's continued expansion in fresh produce supply chains, aiming to provide retailers and club store customers with year-round access to premium melons.
C.H. Robinson: Evolving Fresh Produce Supply Chain Strategy
C.H. Robinson has been actively expanding its fresh produce business since acquiring FoodSource in 2005. The Timco Worldwide acquisition represents another strategic move in the company's melon category development. Jim Lemke, Senior Vice President at C.H. Robinson, stated that Timco Worldwide perfectly complements the company's "product and supply strategy" developed over the past six years.
Lemke emphasized the company's focus on integrating and optimizing supply chains that present procurement challenges and consistency issues for buyers. The melon category, particularly watermelons, aligns perfectly with this strategy. Timco Worldwide's expertise in conventional, organic, seedless, and mini watermelons creates an ideal strategic fit, building upon the companies' longstanding partnership.
Timco Worldwide: Melon Supply Chain Specialists
Timco Worldwide specializes in year-round supply of conventional and mini watermelons for retail and club store clients, along with seasonal cantaloupes, honeydews, and mixed melons. Operating across ten U.S. states and five countries (including Honduras, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Panama), the company significantly enhances C.H. Robinson's melon program.
Notably, Timco Worldwide possesses proprietary technologies that provide growers with advanced planning, sorting, and distribution services. These technological advantages will help C.H. Robinson further optimize its melon supply chain for improved efficiency and quality.
Strategic Benefits: A Win-Win Proposition
The acquisition delivers significant strategic advantages for all stakeholders:
- For C.H. Robinson: Strengthens melon category capabilities, expands global supply chain networks, enhances technical capabilities, and supports sustainable growth.
- For Timco Worldwide: Gains access to C.H. Robinson's global platform for expanded market reach and brand visibility.
- For Customers: Benefits include more stable supply, higher quality products through seed innovation programs, and more efficient logistics solutions.
Future Outlook
While C.H. Robinson hasn't disclosed Timco Worldwide's employee count or revenue figures, this acquisition clearly represents a significant step in the company's fresh produce supply chain strategy. Moving forward, C.H. Robinson plans continued expansion in fresh produce to deliver more comprehensive, high-quality products and services.
The company's core advantages include its global network, technological capabilities, professional team, and customer-first philosophy. Its service portfolio spans multimodal transportation, freight forwarding, warehousing, distribution, and supply chain consulting.
As one of the world's largest third-party logistics providers serving over 100,000 customers across 200+ countries, C.H. Robinson maintains industry leadership through its culture of integrity, innovation, collaboration, and excellence, while actively pursuing environmental sustainability and community development initiatives.