BrightFarms says it has opened a greenhouse hub in Yorkville, Ill., within the Chicago metropolitan area. This is the first of three regional greenhouse hubs opening for BrightFarms in 2024, which will triple its capacity to provide fresh, locally-grown leafy greens to consumers across the Eastern and Central U.S., according to a news release.
“Our expansion marks a pivotal moment for us after more than a decade of growth and is the first step toward creating a coast-to-coast indoor supply chain that transforms how consumers access fresh salad greens,” said BrightFarms CEO Steve Platt. “With the addition of our three new 8-acre hubs in Illinois, Texas and Georgia, we’re increasing our growing capability to 150 million pounds of leafy greens annually, and we’re excited to shape a healthier, greener future for generations to come.”
BrightFarms said a key component of its success is its production facilities that include advanced greenhouse technology, such as Kubo’s Ultra-Clima greenhouse technology, which allows the company to maintain and generate an optimal climate 365 days a year, regardless of the geography or external climate.
For Chicagoland, the opening of the Yorkville greenhouse means the community will have access to fresh, pesticide-free leafy greens year-round, the release said. Chicagoans can find BrightFarms leafy greens at Jewel-Osco, Mariano’s, Pick N Save, and more.
