Joe Spano With Mucci Farms On The Company’s Expansion Into The US
Joe Spano With Mucci Farms On The Company’s Expansion Into The US
“We want to be close to the customer”
Mucci Farms has completed the first phase (24 acres) of greenhouse expansion in Huron, Ohio, and harvest will begin in May. “For the first phase, we chose Tomatoes On-The-Vine (TOV) because it is amongst the commodities with the highest demand from consumers,” says Joe Spano with Mucci Farms. The new facility is equipped with HPS grow lights, making it important to choose a product that sees high demand during the winter months. TOV’s will be grown in Huron year-round and a 70,000 square foot warehouse has been built on site for packing and distribution.
This is the company’s first expansion outside of Canada. “A majority of our product is currently sold in the US, so proximity to market was an important decision-making factor,” said Spano. “Having a US location also helps us reduce travel miles, save travel time by being able to avoid a border crossing as well as accommodating US consumers that prefer locally-grown product.”
From a farming standpoint, it is ideal as the geographic location is right across from Kingsville, on the opposite side of Lake Erie. “Weather patterns and growing conditions are almost identical, preventing us from having to learn alternative processes,” Spano mentioned.
By 2020, construction of phase two and three should be finalized, covering a total of 60 acres under grow lights. “Phase two and three will also be heavily dominated by TOV’s, but we may grow a small amount of specialty tomatoes as well,” shared Spano.
Unveiling new cucumber product at CPMA
Mucci Farms will be exhibiting and once again sponsoring the relaxation lounge at CPMA. Inspired by the western Canadian boho theme, this year’s lounge has been rebranded as the “Core Meeting Space.” Located just before the entrance to the show floor, attendees can get off their feet to relax or find a quiet place to meet away from the busy atmosphere. “This show is very important to us,” said Ajit Saxena with Mucci Farms. “It’s in our home country and offers a great opportunity to showcase Canadian farmers. We’ve worked closely with CPMA throughout the years and in a way, we feel like hosts as people travel from all over to attend this show.”
In addition to Natural Organics and Veggies To GoTM that will be showcased, the company will also unveil a fresh new look for its SmucciesTM Sweet Strawberries. In addition, a brand-new item called CuteCumberTM Poppers will be unveiled. “These one-bite Poppers are a unique variety in that they only grow to about half the size of our CuteCumbers and we’ve decided to remain focused on value-added consumer convenience by including a dip inside the package,” Saxena said.
To get a closer look at all Colors of Flavor, Mucci Farms is inviting attendees to “pop in” to booth #921 on April 25 or 26 in the Vancouver Convention Centre.
For more information:
Ajit Saxena
Mucci Farms
Tel: (+1) 519-326-8881
Publication date: 4/19/2018
Author: Marieke Hemmes
Copyright: www.freshplaza.com