Smoky Mountain Family Farms Acquires Triple C Family Farms
NEWPORT, TN - A major expansion is underway as Smoky Mountain Family Farms (SMFF) has announced strategic plans to acquire Tennessee-based Triple C Family Farms.
“We had a vision for a regionally local summer and fall fresh tomato farming operation. This acquisition of Triple C, is one part of our strategic plan to provide the Northeast, Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, Appalachian Mountain, and Midwest regions with the absolute finest in outdoor-grown tomatoes. We are honored to have the opportunity to continue to build upon the legacy of the Chandley family in our expansion from Newport into Midway and beyond,” said Aris Pappas and Jon Esformes, Co-Managing Partners of Smoky Mountain Family Farms, in a joint statement.
Beginning their partnership in SMFF in spring 2020, the Pappas, Esformes, and Hellers, three fourth-generation tomato farming and distribution families, have worked to create unique opportunities to showcase eastern Tennessee agriculture. According to a press release, the purchase of Triple C Family Farms will help further the vision of the founding partners.
The expertise behind SMFF has brought a strong commitment to food safety, product quality, and reliability to the tomato category. In addition, the company has shown great dedication to the equitable treatment of its workers, being one of the first Tennessee farms to be Fair Food Program certified in partnership with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW). This recent expansion includes the growth of the programs focused on fair treatment for farm workers in Tennessee.
SMFF currently operates out of Newport and Midway, Tennessee, locations. This strategy consolidates Pacific Tomato Growers’ Virginia operation, which closed in late 2020, as part of its plan anticipating the Tennessee farming expansion.
The company anticipates additional farmland purchases in the offseason to support further growth in the 2022 season. Production has already tripled heading into the 2021 season with the acquisition.
SMFF will be packing premium outdoor-grown Rounds, Romas, snacking tomatoes, and organics under the Sunripe Certified and Suncoast Certified
brand names.
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