Phoenix AZ, January 23, 2026
Charlie’s Produce has successfully integrated its Phoenix facilities, enhancing its operational capabilities in Arizona’s thriving food market. This integration follows the acquisition of Stern Produce and underscores a commitment to quality service for a diverse customer base, including schools, restaurants, and healthcare providers. With over 60 dedicated staff, the facility aims to strengthen local agricultural networks while fostering community engagement. This strategic move demonstrates how private investment can drive economic growth in Phoenix.
Phoenix Drives Western Expansion: Charlie’s Produce Deepens Arizona Roots
Phoenix, AZ – The vibrant Phoenix economy continues to attract and empower businesses, demonstrating the power of strategic private investment and entrepreneurial foresight. In a significant development for the local and regional food supply chain, Charlie’s Produce has announced the full operational integration of its Phoenix facilities. This move, following the acquisition of Stern Produce in 2024, marks a crucial step in strengthening the company’s presence in the thriving Arizona AZ market and serving its diverse customer base across the state. The successful culmination of this two-year integration process highlights a commitment to operational excellence and a responsiveness to the growing demands of Arizona’s dynamic population.
This strategic integration underscores the ongoing resilience and innovation prevalent in Phoenix AZ business. By aligning systems, branding, and supply chain logistics, Charlie’s Produce is not only enhancing its own capabilities but also contributing to the efficiency of the broader economic ecosystem. Such initiatives, driven by private sector vision, are often key drivers of sustained economic growth, fostering a more robust and responsive market for consumers and businesses alike.
A Legacy of Service Meets Modern Innovation
The journey to full integration brought together two entities with deep roots in the produce industry. Stern Produce, a long-standing fixture, was established in Phoenix in 1917, building a legacy of service within the community. Charlie’s Produce, founded in 1978, has cultivated its own nearly 50-year history serving markets across the western United States. The acquisition in 2024 and the subsequent two-year integration period allowed for a meticulous alignment of operations, technology systems, resource expansion, and service enhancements. This careful, deliberate approach ensures customers throughout Arizona receive consistent quality and service.
This integration is not merely a change in ownership but a strategic blending of historical local market knowledge with the extensive scale of a regional leader. The result is a more robust distribution network, providing broader product access, including an expanded array of specialty and organic offerings for customers across Arizona.
Phoenix: A Critical Hub for Regional Growth
Phoenix is recognized by Charlie’s Produce as a pivotal center for future expansion, driven by Arizona’s significant population growth and the continuous development in the retail, hospitality, and foodservice sectors. The fully integrated Phoenix operation now stands as the company’s eleventh regional distribution facility. This expansion reinforces Charlie’s Produce’s comprehensive ability to serve its extensive customer network across the entire western United States, including its current operations in six states. The strategic positioning in Phoenix capitalizes on the region’s economic momentum and its vital role in the wider Western market.
More than 60 dedicated team members contribute to the success of the Phoenix operation, serving a diverse client base that includes schools, restaurants, independent retailers, resorts, healthcare facilities, and senior care providers throughout Arizona. As an employee-owned company, Charlie’s Produce fosters a unique culture that often translates into heightened commitment and service quality, benefiting the entire supply chain.
Operational Excellence and Advanced Facilities
The integrated Phoenix facility embodies operational excellence through its state-of-the-art infrastructure. This includes fully refrigerated loading and receiving docks, ensuring optimal product freshness from arrival to departure. Advanced warehouse management systems are in place for precise and reliable inventory control, a critical component for efficient logistics. Furthermore, the facility features modern ethylene scrubbers and pressurized, remotely monitored ripening rooms, which are essential for maintaining the quality and extending the shelf life of produce. These technological investments demonstrate a proactive approach to quality control and efficiency, reflecting a forward-thinking business strategy.
A strong commitment to food safety is also a hallmark of these operations, with all retail and processing facilities holding SQF 2000 level certification. This adherence to high, independently audited standards provides assurance to customers regarding the quality and safety of their products.
Supporting Arizona’s Culinary Landscape and Local Growers
Charlie’s Produce in Phoenix offers a comprehensive range of products, including conventional, organic, and specialty produce, along with farm-fresh dairy products and proteins. A key aspect of their philosophy involves supporting local growers whenever feasible, fostering a direct connection from farm to fork. This focus on local sourcing not only provides fresh, high-quality products but also strengthens regional agricultural networks and contributes to the local Phoenix economy.
The company’s mission extends beyond mere distribution; it aims to make a positive impact within the community. This includes meaningful engagement with schools, various foodservice establishments, retail partners, and the broader farming community across Arizona. By cultivating strong, lasting partnerships, Charlie’s Produce endeavors to nurture its network, nourish consumers, and contribute to the sustainability of the communities it serves. This commitment aligns with the spirit of Arizona AZ entrepreneurs, who often seek to build businesses that are both profitable and community-minded.
Conclusion
The full integration of Charlie’s Produce’s Phoenix operations represents a significant milestone, reinforcing Arizona’s position as a critical economic hub in the Western United States. This strategic move showcases how thoughtful private investment, combined with a focus on operational efficiency and local engagement, can lead to enhanced service capabilities and broader market reach. It exemplifies the spirit of Phoenix small business growth, driven by innovation and a dedication to quality. As the company expands its offerings and strengthens its distribution network, it continues to play a vital role in supporting the diverse culinary and retail needs across Arizona. We encourage HEREPhoenix.com readers to acknowledge the ongoing contributions of businesses like Charlie’s Produce to the vitality of our local and regional economies and to support the businesses that choose to invest in our community’s future.
Frequently Asked Questions about Charlie’s Produce Phoenix Integration
- What event recently occurred with Charlie’s Produce in Phoenix?
- Charlie’s Produce announced the full operational integration of its Phoenix operations.
- When did Charlie’s Produce acquire Stern Produce?
- Charlie’s Produce acquired Stern Produce in 2024.
- How long did the integration process take?
- The integration of systems, branding, and supply chain was completed over two years following the acquisition.
- What types of customers does Charlie’s Produce serve in Arizona?
- Charlie’s Produce serves foodservice, retail, hospitality, healthcare, and education customers across Arizona.
- How many team members support the Phoenix operation?
- More than 60 team members support the Phoenix operation.
- Is Charlie’s Produce an employee-owned company?
- Yes, Charlie’s Produce has been 100% employee-owned (ESOP) since 1987.
- What kind of products does Charlie’s Produce offer?
- They offer a full line of conventionally grown produce, organic produce, specialty produce, farm-fresh dairy products, and proteins.
- What role does Phoenix play in Charlie’s Produce’s broader network?
- The Phoenix operation represents the company’s 11th regional distribution facility, strengthening its ability to serve customers throughout the western United States. Phoenix is also considered a critical hub for future growth due to Arizona’s rapid population growth.
Key Features of Charlie’s Produce’s Phoenix Operations Integration
| Feature | Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Operational Integration Complete | Systems, branding, and supply chain fully aligned after a two-year process. | Phoenix, AZ |
| Preceding Event | Acquisition of Stern Produce in 2024. | Phoenix, AZ |
| Service Coverage | Serves foodservice, retail, hospitality, healthcare, and education customers. | Arizona State-level |
| Team Members | More than 60 dedicated individuals support the Phoenix operation. | Phoenix, AZ |
| Distribution Network Position | Phoenix is the 11th regional distribution facility. | Western United States |
| Product Range | Conventional, organic, specialty produce, dairy, and proteins. | Arizona State-level |
| Food Safety Certification | Facilities are SQF 2000 certified. | Phoenix, AZ |
| Company Ownership Structure | 100% employee-owned (ESOP) since 1987. | Nationwide |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
