News

Grocers offering fresher produce via on-site greenhouses

May 31, 2012

BrightFarms LLC, a New York-based firm that creates greenhouses, said its first greenhouse built for a retail location — McCaffrey's Markets in Pennsylvania — should bear fruit this October. It also now has a second produce purchase agreement with Oklahoma City-based Homeland Stores.

The firm is hoping its first two partnerships are only the beginning of supermarkets hosting greenhouses on site, Paul Lightfoot, chief executive officer, said in an interview with thepacker.com.

The on-site or nearby greenhouses offer consumers a fresher product, Lightfoot said. BrightFarms handles the growing operations, while each retailer maintains its position as a buyer.