NatureFresh Farms builds new distribution center, expands organic offering

LEAMINGTON, ON – Increased demand for premium greenhouse grown products across the NatureFresh Farms product line has prompted one of Canada’s largest independent growers to break ground on a new 106,000-square-foot distribution center in Leamington, Ontario, according to a press release. Construction is to be completed by mid-summer.

"The continued expansion of our operations & launch of new products is a direct result of the growth of the NatureFresh Farms brand," said president Peter Quiring. "Over the last few years, we have increased our production capacity to meet the demands of our retail partners. Our commitment to quality, regardless of season, is enabling NatureFresh Farms to be an integrated supplier 12 months a year. Expanding our production capabilities in Leamington shows our commitment to growing our business in Canada."

Family owned and operated, NatureFresh employs more than 500 people across all of its greenhouses and distribution centers in both Canada and the United States.

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The state of the art distribution center will enable NatureFresh to increase production and specialty packaging on site, according to the release. The addition of the new facility will compliment the existing five distribution centers that are currently operational across the company’s 130 acres in Leamington, ON. NatureFresh also opened a 60,000-square-foot facility in Toledo, Ohio, in Fall 2016 to service the new 45 acres of greenhouse tomato production in Delta, Ohio. Due to the success of its Ohio tomato program, the company has already outgrown the Toledo facility six months after opening the doors and will be expanding in the months to come.

After doubling its Organic Bell Pepper acreage in 2016, NatureFresh recently launched their new USDA Certified Organic TOV’s and Organic Red Grape Tomatoes.

“The increasing demand for organics prompted our team to bring two new items to market this year, both are being grown in Leamington, Ontario,” said Ray Wowryk, director of business development. The Organic TOV’s are available in bulk format whereas the Organic Red Grape Tomatoes are available in Dry Pint formats.

Lastly, the company also unveiled its new Canadian grown TOMZ Snacking Tomatoes in March that are being packed in new top seal formats. NatureFresh grows its proprietary TOMZ brand snacking tomatoes in Delta, Ohio (winter production) and Leamington, Ontario (summer production).

NatureFresh Farms will be attending the CPMA Convention & Trade Show in Toronto, Ontario May 9-11. Attendees are invited to visit Booth 107.