BrightFarms has officially opened a new greenhouse hub in Yorkville, Illinois, marking the first of three regional hubs set to launch in 2024. This expansion is designed to significantly increase the company’s capacity to supply fresh, locally grown leafy greens to consumers across the Eastern and Central United States.
The new hubs, which will also be established in Texas and Georgia, are part of BrightFarms’ strategy to enhance its indoor farming operations. CEO Steve Platt stated that this expansion aims to create a coast-to-coast supply chain, enabling consumers to access fresh salad greens more easily. With the addition of these hubs, BrightFarms anticipates an annual production capability of 150 million pounds of leafy greens.
BrightFarms was majority-owned by Cox Enterprises since October 2020 and was fully acquired in August 2021. The company is targeting an ambitious growth plan for 2024, with a goal of serving over two-thirds of the U.S. population and generating more than $300 million in revenue by 2026.
Steve Bradley, president of Cox Farms, emphasized the importance of BrightFarms in their strategy to lead the indoor farming sector in North America. He noted the increasing consumer preference for fresher, responsibly grown produce, particularly in the salad category, as a driving factor for continued investment.
Construction of the additional greenhouse hubs in Macon, Georgia, and Lorena, Texas, is currently underway, with completion expected by the end of the year. Once all three greenhouses are operational, BrightFarms’ growing capacity will expand nearly sevenfold, adding approximately 100 acres to its production area.
Stay current with supply chain news on The Supply Chain Report. Free trade resources are available at ADAMftd.com.
#AgricultureNews #SustainableFarming #LocalProduce #FoodSupplyChain #BrightFarms
