By Lynda Kiernan

Ontario-based Mucci Farms, one of North America’s largest vertically integrated greenhouse grower of fruits and vegetables, announced it has acquired a controlling position in Ontario-based rival, Orangeline Farms. 

Mucci owns and operates about 250 acres of greenhouses growing tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, and strawberries, across Canada and the U.S., with a partner-grower network of 1,500 acres across North America.

In 2017, Mucci Farms brought their total investment to $36 million in greenhouses built specifically for the year-round production of strawberries. Once completed, the 36-acre site made the company the largest under-glass strawberry producer in North America. 

“Mucci Farms can proudly say we are putting Kingsville, Ontario, on the map for having the largest strawberry greenhouse not only in Canada but in North America,” Joe Spano, vice-president of sales and marketing for Mucci Farms, said at a ribbon cutting ceremony in October 2017.

“In searching for growth opportunities for both Orangeline’s staff and our ever loyal customers, the chance to partner with a world class organization like Mucci Farms was an easy decision to make,” said Duffy Kniaziew, founder, Orangeline.

Adding to Mucci’s existing holdings, the deal for Orangeline, which is reported worth more than $30 million, includes 32 acres of greenhouses, and another 68 acres of warehouses and additional space. Founded in 2000 by the Kniaziew family, Orangeline is an award-winning greenhouse grower, most notably recognized for its unique peppers grown under the Zing!™ Healthy Foods brand.

Currently, Mucci is planning to continue marketing Orangeline produce under the Zing!™  brand, while the company works to build relationships with both retailers and consumers. 

“Duffy and his team have done a great job with the brand and it’s familiar in our region, so we’re not looking to make any dramatic changes at the moment,” noted Emily Murracas, director of marketing.

In addition to the Orangeline deal, Mucci concurrently announced plans for the expansion and updating of its U.S. headquarters in Huron, Ohio. 

“The Ohio program has gotten off to a great start and we’re looking forward to growing our presence in the community and the regional market.” said company CEO Bert Mucci.

Originally a 60-acre project, the company has acquired additional land adjacent to the property that will expand the scale of the site to 75 acres. 

“The first 24-acre phase is in its second season of harvesting, and we’ll be building two more identical ranges,” noted Bert Mucci. “Phase two construction is already underway.”

“The Orangeline acquisition comes with a 32-acre greenhouse and a warehouse with additional land totalling 100 acres,” noted Bert Mucci.  Consumers are demanding more local production, and we’re listening. We also have plans in place to build on the additional land that was received as part of the agreement.”

“It’s an exciting time for the company as we continue our aggressive expansion plans to increase our local and regional production.”

 

– Lynda Kiernan is Editor with GAI Media and daily contributor to GAI News. If you would like to submit a contribution for consideration, please contact Ms. Kiernan at lkiernan@globalaginvesting.com.