McADOO, PA – Little Leaf Farms, a prominent player in the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) sector, is set to unveil its latest expansion with a new 10-acre greenhouse in McAdoo, Pennsylvania, slated to open this fall. This marks the company’s third greenhouse in the state, underscoring its commitment to enhancing production capabilities and expanding market reach.
The additional 10 acres of greenhouse space will bolster Little Leaf Farms’ workforce in Pennsylvania to over 300 employees, supporting its ambitious expansion plans across the Southeast and Midwest regions. This expansion is expected to increase the company’s retail footprint to encompass more than 7,000 grocery stores nationwide.
“Our latest expansion in Pennsylvania not only increases our total acreage but also propels us toward our goal of achieving $200 million in retail sales this year,” remarked Paul Sellew, Founder and CEO of Little Leaf Farms. “It reinforces our mission to provide fresh, sustainably grown leafy greens to consumers nationwide.”
Currently dominating nearly 50% of the packaged salad market produced through CEA in the United States, Little Leaf Farms has become accessible to over 53% of the country’s population. The forthcoming greenhouse is poised to further amplify this reach, aligning with the company’s strategy to broaden its presence in key retail markets across the Southeast and Midwest.
In tandem with its physical expansion, Little Leaf Farms recently secured a substantial credit facility totaling $250 million. This financing, comprising term loan facilities, delayed draw facilities, and a revolving credit line, was orchestrated by a consortium of banks led by Bank of America, alongside institutions within the Farm Credit System. The transaction underscores strong support from the financial sector to fuel Little Leaf Farms’ growth trajectory.
“Securing this significant credit facility marks a pivotal milestone as we continue to invest in scaling our operations and meeting escalating demand for locally sourced, sustainably produced lettuce,” Sellew affirmed. “It positions us to accelerate our expansion plans, solidifying our leadership in the CEA industry.”
“We are pleased to extend our longstanding partnership with Little Leaf Farms,” commented Randy Mitchell, Senior Vice President of Bank of America. “This transaction underscores our confidence in the company’s strategic vision and execution capabilities. We remain committed to delivering tailored financial solutions to facilitate their ongoing success.”
With future plans to establish additional greenhouses, Little Leaf Farms remains steadfast in its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and meeting the evolving consumer demand for fresh, high-quality leafy greens.
