Citing “tremendous year-over-year growth” and “significant plans for expansion,” greenhouse fruit and vegetable company Pure Flavor has acquired DeTemporada Farms, a 25-acre greenhouse bell pepper farm located in Merlin, Ontario.
“We are excited to announce the addition of DeTemporada Farms to our family,” Pure Flavor President Jamie Moracci said in a news release. “Increasing our owned acreage helps facilitate our growth alongside our grower partners and supports our strategy of scaling up our operations to drive efficiencies."
The Leamington, Ontario-based company’s strategic investments are focused on solidifying its future as an industry leader, according to the release.
Built in 2021 and located near the shores of Lake Erie, just east of Point Pelee, Ontario, DeTemporada Farms is in an area known for having a unique microclimate that positively impacts the growing environment, the release said. The facility will grow red, yellow and orange sweet bell peppers.
Pure Flavor says expansion is already underway for the farm’s next phase, slated for completion later this year.
“We need to strategically invest in our growth and with the acquisition of DeTemporada Farms, we are making a commitment to both our retail partners as well as our employees that we are planning for our future,” said Jeff Moracci, chief financial officer and partner.
Pure Flavor is on a significant growth path to support increased demand for fresh, greenhouse grown fruits and vegetables year-round, the company said. Future expansion plans beyond the DeTemporada Farms acquisition are ongoing to develop more region-specific facilities as well as explore new product opportunities.
The addition of 25 acres of owned acreage to the company’s expanding portfolio will mean an even greater supply of fresh vegetables for its customers, Pure Flavor said. This new acquisition is in addition to the construction of Pure Flavor’s new Phase IV 40-acre organic greenhouse in Leamington that is nearing completion this month.
Through its owned farms and family of growers, Pure Flavor now manages nearly 1,000 acres of greenhouse-grown fruits and vegetables.