Mucci Farms acquires Ontario peppers operation, announces more expansion
Mucci Farms has acquired controlling interest of Leamington, Ontario-based Orangeline Farms, including its existing greenhouse and warehouse facilities, and additional land with plans for expansion.
Mucci Farms also announced additional expansion plans in Canada and the U.S.
“It’s an exciting time for the company as we continue our aggressive expansion plans to increase our local and regional production,” said Bert Mucci, CEO. “The Orangeline acquisition comes with a 32-acre greenhouse and a warehouse with additional land totaling 100 acres. Consumers are demanding more local production, and we’re listening. We also have plans in place to build on the additional land that was received as part of the agreement.”
Founded in 2000 by the Kniaziew family, Orangeline Farms is an award-winning grower predominantly known for their unique pepper offerings grown under the Zing! Healthy Foods brand.
Mucci Farms will continue to use the Zing! brand for the foreseeable future. “Duffy and his team have done a great job with the brand and it’s familiar in our region, so we’re not looking to make any dramatic changes at the moment,” said Emily Murracas, director of marketing.
Originally a 60-acre project in Huron, Ohio, Mucci has also acquired additional land adjacent to the current property to increase the totality of the enterprise to 75 acres. “The first 24-acre phase is in its second season of harvesting, and we’ll be building two more identical ranges. Phase two construction is already underway,” Bert Mucci said.
Mucci Farms is a vertically integrated fruit and vegetable grower that owns and operates 250 acres of tomato, pepper, cucumber, lettuce and strawberry greenhouses in Canada and the U.S., with a partner-grower network of 1,500 acres across North America. Committed to maximizing efficiencies, the organization makes sizable investments in automation and technology to provide consumers with the most flavorful fruits and vegetables in the market. In addition to harvesting and packing equipment, these investments include a significant acreage of grow lights that allow the company to grow locally 365 days per year, with an end goal of equipping 100% of their hi-tech glass facilities with high-pressure sodium and/or LED lights.
Top: Orangeline Farms aerial view. Photo: CNW Group/Mucci Farms
