Nogales, Ariz.- based, Wholesum has opened a new 12-acre organic tomato glass greenhouse in Sonora, Mexico. The ribbon cutting ceremony, themed “A Plentiful Harvest,” took place Dec. 9, in Imuris, Sonora, Mexico, according to a news release.
The 12-acre operation is in addition to the existing 50-acre already in place, according to the release.
“We are seeing the consumer landscape shift in favor of value-driven companies and are experiencing a growing demand for responsibly-grown organic produce,” Ricardo Crisantes, chief commercial officer and third generation co-owner, said in the release. “With this addition, we are confident that Wholesum is in the position to deliver.”
The first harvest of organic tomatoes on the vine from the new facilities took place in early November, according to the release, and a second influx of new product is anticipated by mid-January, bringing in organic high-flavor cherry tomatoes and other specialty varieties. Together, the new greenhouses will produce a projected 6.5 million additional pounds of organic tomatoes for the upcoming year, according to the release.
The new greenhouses will add 60 full-time job openings, according to the release, and those employees will also benefit from Community Development Funds generated from the sales of Wholesum Fair Trade Certified produce, according to the release.
A video titled “A Contribution from the Third Generation” that was played at the event is available here: https://vimeo.com/657120493.
