BrightFarms plans to open Texas facility
BrightFarms plans to build its newest greenhouse, which will be its fifth, in Abilene, Texas.
The 195,000-square-foot facility is slated to begin supplying herbs and salad greens to area grocery stores in early 2019, according to a news release.
Demand for local produce is boosting BrightFarms’ sales incrementally, according to the release, with 3% new category buyers and 22% category growth.
CEO Paul Lightfoot said retailers are finding that meeting demand for local produce is challenging. Year-round local production at BrightFarms facilities is solving that problem in markets the company serves, Lightfoot said in the release.
The company grows spring mix, baby kale, romaine, arugula, and other lettuces. The company has the ability to switch its varieties quickly, according to the release, trying products outside its existing lineup.
BrightFarms has production facilities in Rochelle, Ill., Bucks County, Pa., and Culpepper County, Va. A Wilmington, Ohio, facility is scheduled to open in July.
