LEAMINGTON, ON - With less than a month on the calendar already, Nature Fresh Farms is wasting no time in making this year an impactful one for itself and those it serves, with both physical and portfolio expansions in the works.
“As we move into 2021, we are excited to share that we have invested in the operation of a 15-acre greenhouse with an additional 15 acres under construction,” Ray Wowryk, Director of Business Development, shares.
The new move is in Central Mexico, and is in addition to Nature Fresh’s future expansions planned for its Ohio farm. This comes hot on the heels of a new facility in the Lone Star State, which adds resources rather than produce to Nature Fresh’s portfolio.
“The new 61,000-square-foot distribution center in Laredo, Texas, does not grow product but provides a new major hub of fresh produce. The warehouse optimizes our distribution network, helping us to better meet the needs and expectations of our consumers and customers,” Ray explains.
And, he adds, access and acreage are not the only areas planned for expansion this year.
“We are also looking forward to expanding distribution of our compostable Cucumber film with our retail partners,” Ray comments. “We are noticing that consumers are more aware and informed on sustainable greenhouse farming and are willing to pay more for products that reflect those qualities. We believe through more consumer education on sustainable growing we will see this trend continue.”
Likewise, as Ray points out, consumers’ consumption of fresh produce remains strong, and Nature Fresh believes that will continue to grow with shoppers focusing on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
“With the growing demand, we will see the greenhouse category retailers promote products more often, both in-store and through weekly ads. This increased promotion will support a healthier market to meet the overall demand for the category,” Ray tells me. As for what is and will be hot off the vine, he adds, “Our Ohio greenhouse is in the middle of their season. At our Phase 6 greenhouse in Leamington, we are currently planting Organic Tomatoes and will begin planting at our Phase 7 and 8 in the Spring.”
With so much already on the table for the year and January not yet wrapped, I can only imagine what Nature Fresh Farms might have up its sleeve.
