November/December 2024
Processing redefined by Meridian Growers with its integrated, service-driven approach
Meridian Growers, the sales and marketing company for a group of California and Arizona pistachio, pecan and almond growers, was founded in 1998 by Jim Zion and Martin Gisele based on the idea of providing growers with an easy and transparent way to market their product.
“We strive to be the bridge between growers and users of dried fruits and nuts,” Zion said. “We are dedicated to customer and grower success by using an integrated, transparent and service-driven approach to business, backed by knowledgeable and ethical employees.”
The Madera, California-based company processes and markets more than 30 million pounds of pistachios in California and Arizona. In addition, it grows and markets approximately three million pounds of almonds, while its pecans are processed and marketed through Southern Root, in which Meridian Growers are an owner. As a grower marketer, Meridian is able to offer all varieties, grades and sizes including, inshell and kernels.
Meridian operates one of the newest pistachio plants in the industry and provides a different approach to its processing.
“After hulling and drying, we immediately finish processing our pistachios before going into silo, and pull them out when it is time to pack them for an order,” Zion said. “This allows us better control over our inventory as we sort out the lower quality nuts from the higher quality, resulting in a better product for our customers and better returns for our growers. We are the only pistachio plant in the industry to take this unique approach to processing.”
Because pistachios are best stored in dry places and away from direct sunlight, the company stores its product at 45° F with a relative humidity of 55% or less.
“We keep cases sealed with inner poly liner until ready to use,” Zion said. “We constantly monitor our product and make sure our pistachios are kept in optimal conditions allowing for prompt shipments to our global customers.”
Methods are in place to ensure timely, safe delivery to customers and Meridian strives to keep growers and processors informed throughout the marketing season.
“Our logistics team works very closely with our production team to ensure shipments go out as soon as loads are produced,” Zion said. “They pre-book and schedule ahead as much as possible, making sure to fumigate as close to shipment as possible to reduce any chance of infestation.”
Once on the water, shipments are monitored by Meridian for any delays.
Because it hulls, dries and processes simultaneously, the company’s almonds are first on the market with the newest and freshest pistachios, Zion said.
The experience and can-do attitude of Meridian’s owners helps the company resolve issues and maintain operational efficiencies.
“Meridian Growers, as a company and several of our employees, are members of industry associations so that we can stay connected with our fellow colleagues and engage and share knowledge,” Zion said. “We also attend local agriculture events when available. Our team has been involved with APG (American Pistachio Growers) since the beginning and will continue to support their activities.”
To stay engaged with its community, Meridian has sponsored various scholarships and has undertaken several projects at Cal Poly SLO benefiting students from multiple disciplines, offering them real-life experiences at the company.
“We are committed to being involved in our local community, especially any program that benefits students, and expanding educational opportunities,” Zion said.
Meridian’s leadership recognizes that caring for the land it uses is its top responsibility, which is why the company has implemented procedures to avoid the depletion of natural resources.
“One of the ways we do this is by utilizing solar power to offset our energy usage at our facility and for our wells and shops,” Zion said. “We are also exploring ways to convert harvest by-products into renewable energy. Additionally, we continue to educate our growers on regenerative farming practices and how they can benefit their bottom line.”
With a goal to expand its grower base and take advantage of new markets, Meridian continues to forge ahead with fresh ideas and increase operations.
In the fall of 2024, Meridian was completing its second phase of construction that will take the company from 25 million pounds of production capacity to 50 million pounds. The entire project took less than eight months.
“Additionally, we are adding pasteurizing, roasting and brining capabilities for 2025, allowing us to better serve our domestic customers as well as our overseas customers that require this type of product,” Zion said. “We are also expanding our value-added business through our partnership with The Pistachio Factory, which will allow us to offer pistachio butter, paste, etc.”
The strategy for the year ahead is the same as it has been since inception — continual improvement in processing, expanding markets, expanding throughput and getting more involved in the value-added ingredient business.
“Nuts — pistachio kernels in particular — are moving beyond just snacking and are being used in new innovative ways as an ingredient,” Zion said. “One way we are tapping into this new change is by adding a sheller so that we can produce more kernels to meet this growing demand of the industry.”
