Orangeline Farms dominates pepper category at Leamington greenhouse competition

Over the past weekend a revered panel of judges collectively gathered to taste the very best from our region. A region known as Canada’s southernmost town, the tip of Ontario, Leamington or “Produce County” as the locals say. The 9th Annual Greenhouse Competition as hosted by R.E.A.CH. International housed a blind taste test for Vegetables Big 3; Cucumbers, Tomatoes and Peppers. With subcategories ranging in colour, sweetness, heat and size, the total amassed to over 200+ entries of the finest that Leamington could produce.

The gates opened Friday and in came the foodies, expert’s, connoisseur’s, and stewards of fine produce along with the Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). All of whom were ready, set, and hungry to vote. From there it was turned over to the community at large to vote aptly and accordingly for their favourites and culminate those votes for the Golden Goose of awards. The People’s Choice. The most coveted of all.

Orangeline Farms, along with their consumer facing brand Zing! Healthy Foods delivered the team’s finest and waited patiently. The ballots were cast and the awards were presented in 10 categories for the Perfect Pepper. Orangeline won a total of 7 Awards, 5 for Gold and 2 for Bronze. Of those wins, 4 fall in the Bell Pepper category with their signature Red, Orange, Brown and Yellow variety. 1st place for their Specialty Mini Pepper which makes it a back to back to back winner, 1st in the Specialty Long with their ever popular Super Sweet Shepherds, and lastly the trophy for Kids' Choice Pepper was awarded to Orangeline's Yellow Bell Pepper. A sweet victory on a hot day. “It’s what drives us and compels us to continue our journey, to be the brand people think of when making healthy choices, these awards reaffirm our passion and dedication to offer you our finest, that’s the best prize of all.” claims Jordan Kniaziew, Sales and Marketing for Orangeline Farms.

Each and every pepper they produce has, as they say a Zing! factor. When asked if that was classified information Kniaziew exclaimed “We can honestly say that it’s our team of employees that make up that very secret. It’s difficult to specialize, it takes an extra bit of effort, a Zing factor if you have the will to excel at what you do.”
While a healthy dose of rivalry is good for the growers and the produce sector, they all teamed together under the direction of R.E.A.CH. International to raise funds to seed critical and vital growth in Uganda, Africa. “What an amazing cause, and worthwhile reach we’re able to contribute too, it’s the manner of giving that’s worth more than the gift.” says Kniaziew.

All funds raised from the Greenhouse Competitions go to R.E.A.CH. International. This local charity raises funds to build schools & clinics, drill water wells, and sponsor and care for impoverished children in Uganda, Africa.