US (IL): BrightFarms Chicagoland greenhouse celebrates first harvest

Last month BrightFarms’ Chicagoland Greenhouse in Rochelle, IL celebrated its grand opening and first harvest. The event was attended by the Mayor of Rochelle, Chet Olson, BrightFarms and Roundy’s team members and residents of the city of Rochelle. On July 15, 2016 BrightFarms made its first produce shipment to Mariano’s Chicagoland stores and Roundy’s Pick ‘n Save and Metro Market stores in Wisconsin.

"Consumers want access to fresh, local produce year-round and we, along with Roundy's, are working tirelessly to meet this demand in the Chicagoland market," said BrightFarms Chief BrightFarmer (CEO), Paul Lightfoot. "Produce from our Chicagoland Greenhouse is delivered within 24 hours of harvest and often grown less than 100 miles from where it's sold. That’s a 98 percent improvement from the thousands of miles produce usually must travel to reach supermarket shelves.”

The greenhouse will grow over one million pounds of salad greens, herbs and tomatoes per year exclusively for Roundy's Supermarkets, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Kroger Co.

"We're thrilled that we can offer customers access to fresh lettuces, tomatoes and herbs within 24 hours of harvest," said Bob Mariano, President & CEO of Roundy's. "Together with BrightFarms we're working to improve the food supply chain -- a win for the environment and a big step in the right direction."

For more information
BrightFarms, Inc
349 5th Ave
New York, NY 10016, USA
+1 212-358-1100
www.brightfarms.com