KINGSVILLE, ONTARIO, CANADA - An impressive growth strategy is underfoot at Mastronardi Produce®/SUNSET®. This year alone, the greenhouse grower has added more than 350 acres to its local network, almost half of which is lit growing capacity.
“These are meaningful investments that we are so excited to bring to local communities,” remarked Dean Taylor, Vice President of Business Development. “The scope of this growth is unprecedented. Mastronardi Produce is absolutely committed to local, and these expansions are a solid demonstration of that.”
As emphasized in a release, Mastronardi Produce is dedicated to increasing access to high-flavor, locally grown fruits and vegetables year-round. With the addition of Kentucky, Rhode Island, and Utah to its controlled environment agriculture (CEA) portfolio, the company is now in eight states in the U.S.
To break down each of these expansions, we’ve got to dig a little deeper into the projects. Earlier this year, Mastronardi Produce completed its first large-scale greenhouse lettuce build in Berea, Kentucky, spearheading cultivation for Queen of Greens™, the company’s new washed and ready-to-eat greenhouse lettuce brand.
Nearby in Richmond, a 60-acre lit greenhouse was built, catapulting production of beloved SUNSET tomato varieties like the brand’s flagship Campari® tomato. And in June, The Utah Greenhouse Company joined the Mastronardi network and began growing SUNSET’s Bombs® tomatoes in a high-tech, 28-acre greenhouse set to double in capacity.
Demand for CEA strawberries has grown in recent years, and in response, Mastronardi added two new strawberry greenhouses to grow SUNSET’s award-winning WOW® Berries. Over 100 acres of lit strawberry farms are now in operation, a release stated.
When reflecting on this growth, the company explained that its acceleration in 2022 guarantees it will reach more consumers and continue to meet ever-growing customer demands for its fresh, flavorful produce.
To learn more about this growth and the greenhouse company’s product portfolio, stop by booths #3871 and #3771 at the upcoming IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show.
