DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX -  Bella Verdi will expand the production of the company’s living and specialty lettuces, along with other leafy greens, by opening a new greenhouse facility. The 20,000-square-foot building will be located near Austin, TX.

“This will more than double our current production capacity and help us to meet the increased demand for our lettuce products,” stated Robert Jennings, President and CEO of Bella Verdi, according to a press release. “We are now able to be more flexible and responsive to our customers’ needs and the growing marketplace as consumers are looking for choices that include locally grown, healthy, and organic products- not to mention less waste, which is met through our living lettuce products.”

“With this new facility we were able to employ state-of-the-art environmental controls including Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) technology to reduce our carbon footprint by reducing energy consumption,” commented Tom Marcoux, Bella Verdi Director of Operations. “We’ll also be more efficient with our water usage, by reducing evaporative loss.”

In addition to a focus on sustainability, the products grown in the new facility will be subjected to the company’s rigorous food safety standards which include GAP and cGMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certifications from third party inspectors. Bella Verdi is also in the process of obtaining SQF Level II certification under the GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) for its growing, harvesting, and packing facilities.

“We’re excited to be able to expand our operations and add new jobs while continuing to provide premium quality products for retail and foodservice. Locally-grown is good for consumers and good for local communities as it provides fresher produce with fewer food miles,” stated Jennings, according to the release.

Keep checking in with AndNowUKnow for all the latest in fresh produce industry expansions.

Bella Verdi