Mucci Farms, Canada, acquired controlling interest of Orangeline Farms, Canada, including its existing greenhouse and warehouse facilities and additional land with plans for expansion. Subsequently, the company also announced additional expansion plans in Canada and the United States.
“It’s an exciting time for the company, as we continue our aggressive expansion plans to increase our local and regional production,” says Bert Mucci, chief executive officer of Mucci Farms. “The Orangeline acquisition comes with a 32-acre greenhouse and a warehouse with additional land totaling 100 acres. 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.”
“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,” says Duffy Kniaziew, founder of Orangeline Farms.
Mucci Farms will continue to use the Zing! brand for the foreseeable future.
“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,” says Emily Murracas, director of marketing, Orangeline Farms.
Originally a 60-acre project in Huron, Ohio, the company also acquired additional land adjacent to the current property to increase the enterprise to 75 acres.
“The first 24-acre phase is in its second season of harvesting, and we’ll be building two more identical ranges. Phase 2 construction is already underway,” adds Mucci. “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.”
Mucci Farms is a vertically integrated fruit and vegetable grower that owns and operates 250 acres of tomato, pepper, cucumber, lettuce and strawberry greenhouses in Canada and the United States, with a partner-grower network of 1,500 acres across North America.
