Fareway buys a meat processor in Iowa

A Fareway Stores subsidiary is the new owner of meat processor Webster City Custom Meats, the grocer confirmed Friday.

Fareway subsidiary Midwest Quality Wholesale began overseeing operations of the Iowa-based meat processor on May 1, according to a statement.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Webster City Custom Meats has been in business since 1973, specializing in custom processing of smoked ham, smoked bacon, smoked turkeys, fresh sausage products, boneless ham roasts, smoked pork loins and specialty items.

“These two entities share Midwestern values of tradition, integrity, service, quality, locality and uniqueness,” Aaron Irlbeck, EVP of Midwest Quality Wholesale, said in a statement. “Under new ownership, one can expect the same high-quality products and professional service from Webster City Custom Meats—just more of it. Midwest Quality Wholesale will begin investing in operations, people, customers and additional product offerings immediately.”

The meat processor has a 65,000-square-foot main plant and 35,000-square-foot warehouse in Webster City, according to its website.

Family-owned Fareway opened its 135th store earlier this week, in Clive, Iowa.

The Boone, Iowa-based grocer, which is celebrating 85 years in business this year, also operates seven standalone meat markets, opening its first Fareway Meat Market in Minnesota in September.