Giant/Martin’s was on hand to help BrightFarms, one of its leading suppliers of locally grown salads, commemorate the groundbreaking of the latter’s new 250,000 sq. foot greenhouse in Selingsgrove, PA on Monday, May 20.
Dozens gathered at the construction site before attending a celebration at Susquehanna University, including Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding, president and CEO of the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce Bob Garrett, and from Giant/Martin’s: senior vice president of merchandising John Ruane, vice president of fresh Dave Lessard, director of floral and produce Chris Keetch, and category manager Matt Novosel.
Ruane acknowledged the longstanding partnership between the retailer and the salad greens grower by saying, “BrightFarms has long been one of our valued supplier partners and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate the groundbreaking of their new greenhouse in Snyder County. Each week, thousands of Giant customers purchase BrightFarms’ fresh greens and this new facility will help them continue to do so, ensuring we deliver on our promise to deliver the very best local produce available. We are proud to do business with BrightFarms and look forward to doing so for years to come.”
Secretary Redding also commented on the positive impact the greenhouse would have for the area: “This is not just a big deal for Pennsylvania, it’s a big deal for jobs and for the community, but I would add that it’s also a big deal for the consumer. At the end of the day, we’re in the food business and making sure that they are happy and that we have access to their tables is critical.”
Additionally, BrightFarms used the opportunity to thank Giant for their longstanding partnership and commitment to doing business with local farmers and food processors.
“We have developed a year-round local salad program with Giant and their efforts to source from local farms is remarkable. They are truly taking a consumer-centric approach to meeting the needs of their produce shoppers,” stated Abby Prior, vice president of marketing at BrightFarms.
The greenhouse, which is scheduled to open in early 2020, will deliver fresh, local produce to Pennsylvania supermarkets within 24 hours of harvest.
