Local Leaf Farms promotes the retail benefits of being smaller

Sometimes, bigger isn’t better — even with efficiencies at scale.

So says Local Leaf Farms, a vertical grower based in Barrie, Ontario. The company plans to reduce food miles and logistics headaches by opening as many as 20 small-footprint facilities across Canada by 2025, according to a news release.

While vertical farming techniques are becoming more mainstream in the industry, Local Leaf Farms, which also operates from Kingston, Ontario, uses small-footprint vertical farming operations to bring hyper-local production of fresh produce to consumers. Those leafy greens can be on grocers’ shelves within hours of harvest.

There are several advantages to producing in a smaller facility, Local Leaf Farms President and CEO Steve Jones said in the release.

“Not only are we better able to manage the quality and freshness of every variety we produce, but by servicing over a small geographical area, our product is on shelf quickly, offering consumers better quality and an extended life in their homes, while ensuring reduced shrink for produce operators.”

Related topic: Local produce

Shoppers ask for "My Local Leaf" by name, Schomberg, Ontario, Foodland produce manager Anna Pereira said in the release.

“Not only do customers rave about the bold flavors and long shelf life, but they also appreciate the eco-friendly packaging,” Pereira said. She’s referring to the 100% plastic-free, compostable containers used for My Local Leaf, the consumer brand of Local Leaf Farms.

The company’s leafy green products include whole leaf varieties, packaged salads and fresh herbs. The products are at select locations of Foodland, Goodness Me!, Longo's, Sobeys, The Sweet Potato and Noah's Natural Foods.