LEAMINGTON, ON – With a tight market across the bell pepper category in recent months, NatureFresh™ is looking to its upcoming crops to bring a some relief to retailers. The company is currently in its 4th week of Canadian bell pepper production.
“The winter market has been a challenge in many respects this year,” Matt Quiring, Key Account Manager, said. “Production has been limited across North America and Europe due to inclement weather. With new crops being picked this past month, it’s a breathe of fresh air after mediocre quality, limited availability, and high prices. Ontario grown bell peppers are a welcome sight at retail for retailers and consumers alike.”
He adds that the demand for bell peppers is reaching an all-time high and NatureFresh™ is well established to ship to all regions throughout the mid-west and Canada, according to a press release. In addition, the company increased its organic bell pepper acreage by 100% this season to meet the increasing demand for organics in both the U.S. and Canada.
“The organics market is a unique segment that is focused on consistency from a quality and availability perspective”, Ray Wowryk, Director of Business Development, says. The significant increase in acreage this season was prompted the success of the NatureFresh organic program.
NatureFresh™ successfully launched its operations at its Delta, OH greenhouse this winter and is bringing OhioRed Tomatoes year-round to customers as well. NatureFresh’s social media channels have been seeing plenty of conversation and inquiries from consumers wondering about adding locally grown bell peppers to either of the company’s facilities in USA or Canada.
The company participated in a research study, in partnership with the Ontario Farm Innovation Program (OFIP), to evaluate the effectiveness of supplemental light from overhead High Pressure Sodium (HPS) light bulbs & LED bulbs at plant level. While still ongoing, NatureFresh™ continues to research innovative technologies to be able to provide local, year-round greenhouse vegetable production to customers and consumers.
Stay tuned for more updates on the bell pepper market and the companies that are striving to meet the growing demand.
