Newark, N.J.-based AeroFarms has hired two more produce leaders to support its continued expansion in retail and foodservice.
The indoor vertical farm company, a certified B Corporation, hired Robert Ferla as vice president of customer logistics and demand and John Freitas as head of foodservice.
Ferla has more than 30 years of produce experience, most recently at Bronx, N.Y.-based Fierman Produce Exchange and Katzman Produce companies at Hunts Point Produce Market and previously at The Grand Union Supermarket Co., according to a news release. Ferla's expertise in distribution, operations and customer logistics of perishable foods will help AeroFarms continue to scale operations to meet the growing number of customers and deliver a great customer experience, the company said.
Related: The Whole Foods Market deal with AeroFarms
Freitas also has a 30-plus-year career leading the expansions in food companies, including microgreens knowledge and a demonstrated passion for sustainably grown produce. He worked at Fresh Origins and IFCO.
AeroFarms is the No. 1 retail brand in both unit and dollar sales in the U.S. for microgreens, according to Nielsen syndicated data, the release said. The company's specialty greens are at major retailers such as Ahold Delhaize USA banners, Amazon Fresh, Harris Teeter, The Fresh Market, Walmart, Whole Foods Market and at foodservice partners such as Compass Group, Marcus Samuelsson Restaurant Group and Momofuku Noodle Bar.
Related: AeroFarms Virginia expansion could reach 1,000 retailers in 1 day
Through its proprietary growing technology platform, AeroFarms has grown more than 550 varieties of plants and has developed multiyear partnerships with governments and Fortune 500 companies to help solve agriculture supply-chain needs.
FlavorSpectrum philosophy
The AeroFarms FlavorSpectrum philosophy, shown through branding, packaging and marketing, was designed to represent the breadth of flavors and varieties grown inside the company's indoor vertical farms.
Each color of the AeroFarms package is paired with a specific tasting note to bring this concept to life. Across the leafy greens packaging line, the cool blue colors represent sweet and mellow notes, while intense reds represent bold and zesty flavors.
Graphic: Courtesy of AeroFarms
AeroFarms specialty greens are certified for USDA Good Agricultural Practices, SQF Level 2 Good Manufacturing Practices, Non-GMO Project Verification, OU Kosher and the CEA Food Safety Seal that was developed to differentiate indoor clean growing practices from traditional challenges in the field. AeroFarms specialty greens are 100% pesticide free and are ready to eat without any need to wash — meeting customer demand for safety and convenience.
The company was named one of the world's “Most Innovative Companies” by Fast Company two years in a row and one of Time magazine's “Best Inventions in Food.”