KINGSVILLE, ONTARIO, CANADA - Growth and expansion are top of mind for the market-driving greenhouse grower. Mucci Farms continues to crank out new products, packaging, and more, and it seems that the momentum cannot be stopped. As we round the corner to PMA Fresh Summit, I sat down with Joe Spano, VP of Sales and Marketing, to find out more about the company’s plans for the show.
“Our key messaging is centered around our Canadian and U.S. expansions, as well as our GreenhouseGrown365 Winter Program. We recently announced that two new warehouse distribution facilities were being built in Michigan and Texas that will help us reduce food miles and allow us to sort and redistribute product in a timely manner. This offers consumers maximum shelf life and premium product quality,” Joe explained. “Additionally, we are completing the final phase of our 75-Acre Ohio expansion, and we’re currently in the middle of doubling our 36-acre strawberry farm to 72-acres.”
The GreenhouseGrown365 program is another name for Mucci Farms’ winter program, supported by its significant investments in lit culture technology.
“We have the largest grow light acreage in the greenhouse industry with multiple varieties of tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce growing under lights. We are also trialing bell peppers under lights, which could become a significant advancement in our industry,” Joe noted.
Bringing this message to bear on the industry, Mucci Farms will be highlighting key products that align with its aggressive growth plans:
- Paper Top Seal – An award-winning package that addresses global concerns and consumer demand for less plastic. Mucci Farms replaced the plastic lidding film with a paper film, which converts the entire package to 100 percent fully recyclable
- Zukies Mini Zucchini – A new Italian mini zucchini that you can eat raw. An innovative item as zucchinis aren’t typically grown in greenhouses
- Teeny-Tiny Smuccies – Building off the success of the award-winning Smuccies™ Sweet Strawberries, this bite-size favorite is a big hit with kids! Perfect as a snack or salad topper!
- Cucumber Paper Band – With an emphasis on maximizing its sustainability efforts, this paper band helps Mucci Farms reduce the plastic on its cucumber club pack
“During this time, we’ve reemphasized our vertically integrated capabilities that reduce the burden on our partners since we are the point of contact from seed to retail,” Joe continued. “Our supply has remained largely unchanged and as a result of growing in greenhouses, we’ve been able to maintain our obligations efficiently. Our team of essential workers have been instrumental in keeping the supply chain going, and we’ve done a great job of being nimble and able to adjust on the fly. From a consumer education standpoint, we also launched our own podcast, ‘Spill the Greens,’ which seeks to educate consumers and supply chain staff alike on all things greenhouse grown. Additionally, our expansion plans—particularly with local lit culture—provides security for our partners that they will receive quality produce throughout the winter.”
As Mucci Farms takes to the virtual platform, buyers will be greeted by a 3D digital replica of the greenhouse grower’s actual trade show booth. Innovation runs at every level for this company, so be sure to get inside the world of this industry powerhouse.
