May 24, 2024

By Lynda Kiernan-Stone, Global AgInvesting Media

Mucci Farms, a leading grower and marketer of fresh fruit and vegetables, announced it has expanded its operations through the acquisition of Hacienda North Farms, a 159-acre, state-of-the-art greenhouse facility in Coatsworth, Ontario.

Mucci Farms is part of Cox Farms, a new business announced by Cox Enterprises in early April that focuses on sustainable food and agriculture. Also encompassing BrightFarms, Cox Farms is now one of the largest greenhouse growers in North America. 

Started 125 years ago by James M. Cox, Cox Enterprises is a family-owned business that today is pioneering the food supply chain revolution by developing a multinational network of indoor farms. 

The company explained that Cox Farms enhances its more than $2 billion in investments that have been made in sustainable businesses and technologies, taking a triple-bottom line philosophy geared to improve the planet, elevate human health, and ensure robust financial returns, while it sets new standards in quality and breaks yield records year-round. 

“As multigenerational family businesses rooted in a passion for growing fresh produce, we are thrilled to be part of the Cox Farms family as we embark on a partnership fueled by shared values and a collective vision for the future of farming,” said Bert Mucci, CEO and managing partner, Mucci Farms. 

“Our mutual drive to innovate in the agriculture space at all levels fuels our mission to enhance accessibility and promote the consumption of clean, sustainable fruits and vegetables.”

After nearly a decade of being a grower-partner to Mucci Farms, Hacienda North Farms, which specializes in the cultivation of high-quality bell peppers, is now joining its mission.

“Working directly with Hacienda Farms for several years has given us insight into the facilities and the quality product that’s grown there,” said Mucci. “Bringing them into our fold presents an exciting opportunity to further enhance our ability to meet the needs of our retail partners.”

In addition to the greenhouse facility, this deal also includes a sizable land bank totaling 120 acres, providing ample room for potential expansion and innovation. For now, Mucci Farms stated that it remains committed to growing bell peppers in the new farm while keeping an agile approach, ready to adapt to market demands or being open to opportunities for diversification. 

“This is a pivotal moment in the Cox Farms and Mucci Farms journey,” said Steven Bradley, president, Cox Farms. “This strategic investment underscores our dedication to leading the industry to ensure we meet the evolving needs of consumers. Together, we are committed to scaling operations and enhancing access to sustainably grown produce.”

~ Lynda Kiernan-Stone is editor in chief with GAI Media, and is managing editor and daily contributor for Global AgInvesting’s AgInvesting Weekly News and Agtech Intel News. She can be reached at lkiernan-stone@globalaginvesting.com.

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