After commencing operations at their new USA Headquarters in Huron, Ohio mid last year, Mucci Farms is reporting a successful start to the venture. The entire project encompasses 75 acres of greenhouses including a 70,000 square foot distribution facility. The first phase is complete and operational while the company works progressively to complete the remainder of the project in the next 2 years.
"We are currently harvesting out of the first 24 acres with the remainder to be completed in two additional phases," shared Bert Mucci, CEO of Mucci Farms, further adding the focus of the new greenhouse for now is tomatoes. "For large scale production we are growing Tomatoes on-the-vine, with a smaller dedicated space for specialty tomatoes and trials. The current phase and all additional phases are under grow lights, so we are greenhouse-grown 365 days a year. As we see the results and market demands, it’s entirely possible that we could consider different items in the future."
"We made a good decision"
Mucci Farms said that the first year of operations has demonstrated that the right decision was made by opening the new facility. They attribute part of the success with the growing movement of consumers seeking out locally-grown produce and as a result, are considering further expansions in the United States.
"Our first year in Ohio has been exciting and successful," Mucci noted. "We have very quickly noticed that we made a good decision, and this project reinforced our forecasting and commitment to local/regionally grown vegetables that are heavily in demand from consumers. The success of our Ohio project has motivated us to continue to look for opportunities across the United States, and we are in the process of exploring potential locations for further expansion."
Packaged Ohio tomatoes.
Southern Exposure trade show more relaxed
This week, the Southeastern Produce Council (SEPC) is holding its annual Southern Exposure trade show in Orlando. With their team and many attendees traveling from cold climates in the North East and Canada, Mucci Farms enjoys the warmth this time of year as it also helps create a casual atmosphere at this trade show.
"The SEPC is certainly one of our favorite events of the year, particularly because we can really think outside the box and have fun with the theme," says Emily Murracas, Director of Marketing. "Our marketing team especially enjoys being able to go beyond the confines of our brand standard to put a spin on our booth and promotional campaign. Our sales team really enjoys the light-hearted atmosphere of the show, as it allows everyone to let their guard down and makes it easier to ‘break the ice’ with prospective clients and partners."
The Mucci Farms team in its winning booth at Southern Exposure last year.
The company, who won ‘Best Booth’ at the show last year is keeping their cards close to the vest regarding the plans for their booth this year. "We are sworn to secrecy, but you can expect to see a lot of purple!" Visit Mucci Farms at booth #1301 on Saturday.
For more information:
Ajit Saxena
Mucci Farms
Tel: (+1) 519-326-8881
asaxena@muccifarms.com
www.muccifarms.com