This summer, greenhouse tomato grower Casey Houweling made a “break from the pack” decision and followed the same instincts that convinced him to start the first tomato greenhouse farm in Delta, BC over 27 years ago.
“The demand for locally grown vegetables has exploded,” said Houweling. “Shoppers often rank it ahead of imported organic as a purchase factor, but in the winter months, BC retailers haven’t had a local source to meet this need.”
So Casey Houweling made the call to pull 5 acres of summer tomatoes early, renovate a section of his Delta, BC greenhouse and install grow lights to facilitate a winter crop. As for the high cost and the risk of a project like this, Houweling said. “The payout on the investment may be long, but today consumers will enjoy fresher, better tasting tomatoes by virtue of being close to market. That also excites our retail partners who can count on us for year-round production.”
According to David Bell, Houweling’s Chief Marketing Officer, a BC GROWN sticker will appear on all BC grown products. “At times, detecting a fruit or vegetable’s country of origin is a challenge for consumers,” said Bell. “We’ve made it simple. The BC GROWN sticker says local tomatoes.” On the prospect of future winter area expansion, Bell is optimistic. “The response to our first crop has been impressive. That bodes well for more acreage next year.”
The local advantage extends beyond Houweling’s crop as Carol Glancy a 17 year, BC based produce veteran has joined the Houweling’s team as Canadian Sales Manager. Carol will re-establish a local sales presence as part of Houweling’s commitment to increased service excellence. With previous experience at Sun Rich Fresh Foods and Origin Organic Farms in Delta, her produce knowledge will allow her to hit the ground running and deliver instant value to Houweling’s retail partners.
Houweling’s Tomatoes is owned and operated by Casey Houweling, with operations in Camarillo, California (125acres) & Delta, British Columbia (50acres). As a grower first, and CEO second, Casey is committed to growing great tasting tomatoes year round. When a tomato lover buys Houweling’s Tomatoes, they have Casey’s personal guarantee that they were grown in a Houweling’s greenhouse.
For more information:
David Bell
Houweling's Tomatoes
Tel: +1 604 398 5303
Mob: +1 604 315 3768
www.houwelings.com
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“The demand for locally grown vegetables has exploded”
Canada: Houweling renovates section and installs grow lights
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