Schnucks Partners With BrightFarms on $2 Million Greenhouse

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September 6, 2012

Schnuck Markets Inc. and BrightFarms Inc., a company that finances, builds and operates greenhouse farms, have partnered to develop a one-acre greenhouse facility.

The 43,500-square-foot greenhouse, estimated to cost $2 million, will provide the St. Louis-based grocer with fresh, local produce year round. BrightFarms is financing the greenhouse.

BrightFarms remains in the site-selection phase of the project, looking for locations in close proximity to a network of Schnucks stores. The companies expect the greenhouse to be operational next year, and will supply local produce to approximately 10 stores.

A local farmer, in partnership with BrightFarms, will operate the greenhouse and deliver produce to Schnucks. A one-acre greenhouse can grow up to 500,000 pounds of local lettuces and tomatoes per year, according to BrightFarm.

Family-owned Schnuck Markets operates 100 stores in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Iowa.

“We are committed to procuring produce from local growers and this will increase significantly once we bring BrightFarms on board,” said Mike O’Brien, Schnucks’ vice president of produce. “This partnership is in line with our mission to cut the travel time for produce in order to deliver the freshest foods possible to our customers.”

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