Jan 13, 2015
Mastronardi introduces Pepperco USA

Mastronardi Produce continues to expand its greenhouse operations in Coldwater, Michigan, as it claims the banner of being the largest greenhouse pepper company in North America.

The Kingsville, Ontario-based company’s latest greenhouse venture is Pepperco USA. Mastronardi is calling the 41-acre Pepperco facility “the first large-scale pepper greenhouse facility in the United States.”

According to a news release, the family-owned, employee operated company has grown its acreage and capacity in Coldwater since completing Phase II of its greenhouse operation this past summer.

“After the recent completion of Phase II, we decided to carry on expanding our Coldwater greenhouses to 100 acres,” said CEO Paul Mastronardi.“ We’ve already established a strong demand for our Michigan grown tomatoes from retailers and we're overwhelmed with the response from consumers. We’re anticipating even more enthusiasm for local Sunset peppers this spring.”

Greenhouse builders Havecon Projects and Stolze wrapped up Phase II this past August and have been working through the winter to complete Pepperco.

Since opening its Coldwater facility in 2012, Mastronardi Produce has been providing greenhouse technology to “combat frigid Michigan winters and

bring fresh, summertime flavor to the Midwest in a sustainable way.”

“Because of the strategic location of Coldwater, we’re able to reduce food miles and deliver a vine-ripened product,” said Joe Sbrocchi, vice president of business development. “With such close proximity to a number of distribution centers, we’re able to harvest, pack and ship our produce to our clients’ doors the same day, which ensures our consumers are getting the freshest product possible.”

The greenhouse will begin harvesting this spring, the company said.

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