NatureSweet’s New Arizona Facility to Boost Local Economy with $5 Million Investment
GRAHAM COUNTY, AZ (February 13, 2024) – In a significant move for the agricultural sector in Arizona, NatureSweet, the leading brand in snacking tomatoes and the largest vertically integrated agricultural company in North America, has inaugurated its new greenhouse facility in Bonita, Arizona.
This new facility marks a strategic expansion for NatureSweet, which is renowned for its fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. The company aims to inject over $5 million into the local economy and create around 250 new jobs over the next three years, significantly impacting the rural community in Graham County.
The grand opening of the facility was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local government, business, and community leaders. Governor Katie Hobbs expressed her enthusiasm, stating, Arizona is proud to celebrate NatureSweet’s new production facility in Graham County. With this investment, NatureSweet will create hundreds of quality jobs in rural Arizona and strengthen Arizona’s important agriculture industry.
Rodolfo Spielmann, the President & CEO of NatureSweet, highlighted the company’s commitment to Arizona, saying, Choosing Arizona to plant our seeds is more than just a strategic decision, it’s a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and the incredible opportunities that the state offers. We look forward to contributing to the area’s dynamic landscape and growing a successful future together. We are just starting.
The Bonita facility spans over 44 acres of greenhouse space where NatureSweet will initially cultivate its signature D’Vines cherry tomatoes, known for being harvested and packaged on-the-vine for optimal freshness. This initiative is expected to drive economic growth in the region, promoting sustainable development and enhancing opportunities for local communities.
Congressman Juan Ciscomani shared his excitement about the company’s investment, stating, I am thrilled to see NatureSweet make such a significant investment here in Graham County. Because of our skilled workforce and innovative business environment, Arizona has been one of the best places in the country to do business for decades. It’s exciting to see NatureSweet recognize all that Graham County has to offer and put their roots in our community for years to come.
Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, emphasized the importance of the new facility, noting, Today’s ribbon cutting represents a significant win for rural Arizona and Graham County. We are grateful to have an innovative industry leader like NatureSweet in Arizona, creating quality jobs while driving further economic growth in our rural communities.
NatureSweet, headquartered in Texas with operations in Mexico and Arizona, is recognized as the largest Controlled Environment Agricultural company globally to achieve B Corp, Fair Trade, and EFI certifications. The company is committed to making a positive impact on social, environmental, and economic fronts across the communities it serves.
For more information on NatureSweet, visit their website at NatureSweet.
Learn more about the Arizona Commerce Authority at azcommerce.com and follow them on Twitter @azcommerce.
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