Acquisition of 150-acre greenhouse bolsters Mucci Farms’ sustainable agriculture footprint and strengthens Cox Farms’ role as North America’s largest greenhouse operator.
Mucci Farms, a major player in the fresh produce industry, has taken a significant step toward expanding its sustainable agriculture operations with the acquisition of Greenhill Produce, a large-scale greenhouse located in Kent Bridge, Ontario.
The acquisition enhances Mucci Farms’ growing capacity, adding Greenhill’s 150-acre facility to its portfolio. The purchase of Greenhill Produce, renowned for its high-quality bell pepper production, aligns with Mucci’s broader aim of advancing as a leader in North America’s sustainably grown fruits and vegetables market.
Mucci Farms’ latest acquisition supports its overarching vision of sustainability. The company, recently operating under the newly established Cox Farms, has now extended its greenhouse acreage to over 650 acres across Canada and the United States, making Cox Farms the most extensive greenhouse acreage holder in North America.
Greenhill Produce, founded in 2000 as a modest 6-acre farm, has developed into a top-tier greenhouse known for its innovative farming techniques, including the use of cutting-edge robotics and automation, setting a high standard in quality and efficiency.
Mucci Farms CEO, Bert Mucci, expressed confidence in the acquisition, noting that Greenhill’s longstanding reputation for quality aligns with Mucci Farms’ commitment to delivering reliable produce supplies.
“We’ve had the privilege of working closely with Greenhill for many years, so we know firsthand the exceptional quality of both their facilities and their crops,”
This acquisition, he added, strengthens Mucci Farms’ ability to provide consistent produce to retail and wholesale partners across North America.
Justin Geertsema, Vice President and General Manager at Greenhill Produce, shared similar sentiments, expressing pride in passing the torch to Cox Farms and Mucci Farms. “Having worked with the Mucci team for many years, the Geertsema family is proud to pass the torch to the Cox Farms and Mucci team, who share our values, passion, and drive to succeed,” he said. Geertsema emphasized that Mucci Farms’ approach to farming has earned his family’s respect, making the transition a seamless one.
Steve Bradley, President of Cox Farms, also weighed in on the acquisition, calling it an exciting chapter for Cox Farms.
“This acquisition marks an exciting new chapter for Cox Farms as we continue to build our vision of sustainable, high-quality food production across North America,”
The integration of Greenhill into Cox Farms broadens the capacity to meet market demands for fresh, locally grown produce, reinforcing the company’s dedication to agricultural innovation and operational excellence.
Mucci Farms, based in Kingsville, Ontario, has an established history of producing a diverse array of crops, including tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, and lettuce, in addition to bell peppers.
The company aims to continue cultivating bell peppers at Greenhill while remaining responsive to market demands and exploring diversification options as they arise. With this acquisition, Cox Farms and Mucci Farms cement their positions as leaders in the fresh produce sector, aiming for growth and innovation to meet the needs of an expanding consumer base.
Cox Farms, under the broader Cox Enterprises umbrella, remains dedicated to providing a safe, responsible food supply with the potential to feed a growing population. Operating through a network of indoor farms, Cox Farms, which also includes BrightFarms and Mucci Farms, ranks as one of North America’s largest greenhouse operators, anticipating revenues close to $1 billion and employing around 2,500 individuals. This acquisition aligns with Cox Farms’ mission to offer clean, flavorful produce that supports a sustainable future in agriculture. More details can be found at CoxFarmsGrowers.com.
