Mastronardi featured in Second Wave magazine
"Compared to field farming, greenhouse growing is much more efficient, yielding 12 to 20 times more produce in the same area. It also reduces water consumption drastically, and allows us to use natural, integrated pest management instead of chemical pesticides to manage any harmful insects," says Daniela Ferro, a spokesperson for Mastronardi Produce. "Of course, this also means that freezing Michigan winters won’t harm our protected crop, so consumers can enjoy local produce all year long.”
In addition to providing consumers with Michigan produce, the company has also been a boon to the state's workforce, hiring local workers at all levels of employment at its Coldwater greenhouse and Livonia distribution center, the company's largest depot in North America.
As for the relationship with the state's retailers, it's been a mutually beneficial one: the embrace of grocers have allowed the Coldwater operation to flourish while keeping store shelves stocked with the local produce their customers value. Due to the high interest in keeping things local, it's also worth noting that Mastronardi Produce goes the extra mile when it comes to guaranteeing where their fruits and vegetables come from.
"Because we’re greenhouse grown, we also have an enhanced food safety and traceability program, which allows us to trace product back to exactly where it came from," says Ferro. "Our proactive approach to food safety, paired with our innovative products and dedication to flavor and quality means that retailers have the satisfaction of knowing they’re providing their consumers with safe, high-quality produce year-round.”
Read more at Second Wave
