Key Takeaways
- NatureSweet Opens New Facility: NatureSweet, a leading name in snacking tomatoes, inaugurates a new greenhouse facility in Bonita, Arizona, signaling a significant expansion of its operations.
- Job Creation and Economic Investment: Over the next three years, the project is expected to create about 250 agricultural jobs and involve an investment of over $5 million in the facility, highlighting a positive economic impact on Arizona.
- Strategic Commitment to Arizona: The company’s choice of Arizona for its expansion reflects a strategic decision emphasizing innovation, collaboration, and the potential for growth in the state.
- Expansion of Product Line: Beginning with D’Vines cherry tomatoes, NatureSweet plans to extend its range to include other conventional and organic products, utilizing over 44 acres of greenhouse space.
- Endorsement from State and Local Officials: The expansion has received support from Arizona’s officials, including Governor Katie Hobbs and Congressman Juan Ciscomani, recognizing its potential to strengthen the local economy and agriculture industry.
NatureSweet’s New Agricultural Venture in Arizona
NatureSweet, recognized as North America’s largest vertically integrated agricultural company and the top snacking tomato brand, has announced the addition of a new greenhouse facility in Bonita, Arizona. This move not only amplifies NatureSweet’s operational capacity but also highlights a significant investment in the region’s agricultural sector and economic landscape.
Economic Implications and Job Opportunities
The project is set to generate approximately 250 jobs over three years, with an initial investment surpassing $5 million. This development is expected to have a considerable economic impact on Arizona, particularly in enhancing the state’s agricultural prowess and offering new employment opportunities. “With this investment, NatureSweet will create hundreds of quality jobs in rural Arizona and strengthen Arizona’s important agriculture industry,” stated Governor Katie Hobbs, underlining the initiative’s significance for the state’s economy.
A Strategic Decision for Growth
Rodolfo Spielmann, President & CEO of NatureSweet, emphasized the company’s commitment to Arizona, stating, “Choosing Arizona to plant our seeds is more than just a strategic decision, it’s a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and the incredible opportunities that the state offers.” This decision reflects NatureSweet’s vision for leveraging Arizona’s dynamic environment to foster growth and success.
Product Expansion and Sustainable Development
The Bonita facility will commence its operations by cultivating D’Vines cherry tomatoes, with plans to expand its product lineup to include other vegetables, across more than 44 acres of greenhouse space. This expansion not only diversifies NatureSweet’s product offerings but also promotes sustainable agricultural practices in the region.
Support from State and Local Leadership
The initiative has garnered support from key figures in Arizona’s government and local leadership. Arizona Congressman Juan Ciscomani commented, “It’s exciting to see NatureSweet recognize all that Graham County has to offer and put their roots in our community for years to come.” Additionally, Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, highlighted the project as a “significant win for rural Arizona and Graham County,” acknowledging NatureSweet’s role in driving economic growth and job creation in rural communities.
NatureSweet Latest News
Introduces Sweet & Seedless Mini Peppers (2024/02/02)
NatureSweet has recently launched Constellation Sweet & Seedless Mini Peppers, a colorful and crunchy medley of red, yellow, and orange sweet peppers. These seedless peppers are perfect for snacking, grilling, and enhancing meals and salads. The product is available in 14oz packs and has received rave reviews from consumers. The peppers are sold at selected retailers, including Costco, Giant, and Giant Eagle.
Commits to Fair Trade Certification for All Branded Tomato Products (2023/10/18)
NatureSweet, the leading greenhouse-grown produce company, has announced that all its branded tomato products are now Fair Trade Certified™. This certification ensures that the tomatoes meet rigorous safety, environmental protection, and sustainable livelihood standards and that workers earn sustainable livelihoods. A percentage of profits from NatureSweet’s Fair Trade Certified™ products are contributed to a community development fund, which has already invested $2.4 million in impactful projects benefiting more than 2,100 NatureSweet employees and estimated to impact more than 10,000 agricultural workers in the future.
Introduces Bite-Sized Snacking Tomatoes (2023/09/28)
NatureSweet, a leading greenhouse grower, is expanding its offerings to the food service industry with bite-sized snacking tomatoes. The company’s tomatoes are handpicked and packed with flavor, making them a versatile addition to various dishes. They are available in 10oz and 32oz packaging options. NatureSweet is committed to making a positive social, environmental, and economic impact and has earned multiple certifications. Greenhouse-grown produce offers several advantages over traditional farming methods, including consistent, superior quality, and year-round availability.
NatureSweet Becomes B Corp Certified (2023/06/23)
NatureSweet, the renowned tomato brand, and leading greenhouse-grown produce company, has achieved B Corporation Certification (B Corp), making it the largest Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) company in the world to earn this prestigious distinction. With a commitment to transforming the lives of agricultural workers in North America, NatureSweet has been dedicated to building a business model grounded in treating people with dignity, which has been the driving force behind its success for over 30 years. By pursuing B Corp certification, NatureSweet aims to inspire the $80 billion fresh produce industry to prioritize the well-being of workers and their communities as a foundation for growth.
Files Third Lawsuit Against Mastronardi Produce Alleging Mimicking of Licensed Packaging (2023/04/13)
NatureSweet, the exclusive provider of greenhouse-grown veggies, has filed a lawsuit against Mastronardi Produce LTD and Mastronardi Produce-USA, Inc. for imitating their authorized packaging and confusing customers. Mastronardi is accused of attempting to “borrow” equity that the NatureSweet CHERUBS® brand has built and fostered for more than ten years. NatureSweet has invested millions in marketing its brand, and this litigation aims to defend the integrity of the grape tomato category. NatureSweet requests that the court order Mastronardi to stop using its new packaging for grape tomato products.
Mission Produce™ & NatureSweet® Enter 3PL Partnership in Laredo, Texas (2023/09/07)
Mission Produce, Inc. and NatureSweet® Tomatoes have announced a long-term third-party logistics partnership leveraging Mission’s state-of-the-art distribution center in Laredo, Texas. Mission will provide NatureSweet with cold storage, cross docking, repacking, inventory management, access to quality inspections, and other services. The move is anticipated to support the expansion of NatureSweet’s greenhouse portfolio and improve the distribution of its top-selling produce.
Image provided by NatureSweet
