#LittleLeafFarms #greenhouselettuce #leafygreens #sustainableagriculture #Pennsylvania #trademark #lettuceshape #freshproduce
Little Leaf Farms, a leading producer of greenhouse lettuce and leafy greens, is set to open a state-of-the-art greenhouse in McAdoo, PA, this fall. This new facility will be the fifth greenhouse for the brand and the second one in Pennsylvania. With an expanded capacity of 10 additional acres of indoor production, Little Leaf Farms plans to increase its retail presence to nearly 5,000 grocery stores, making their fresh greens available in major retailers across the Midwest and Southeast.
The recent expansion news was shared during a ceremony hosted by Little Leaf Farms on May 31, attended by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and other state representatives. The event celebrated the brand’s growth in Pennsylvania. Little Leaf Farms, which already owns 180 acres in McAdoo, has rapidly become the largest producer of indoor-grown leafy greens in the state. Since opening its first 10-acre greenhouse in July 2022, the company has been making significant strides and expects to employ over 170 individuals by the end of 2023.
Paul Sellew, Founder and CEO of Little Leaf Farms, expressed the company’s commitment to sustainable produce production and their mission to deliver fresh and delicious leafy greens to consumers. He emphasized their ambitious plans for growth and how the expansion in Pennsylvania demonstrates their ability to continuously scale production and operations. Sellew also highlighted the brand’s success in increasing retail sales by more than 50% in the past year, making Little Leaf Farms the top brand of packaged lettuce sustainably grown through controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) in the country.
The addition of 10 acres under glass represents a significant capacity increase for Little Leaf Farms. With this expansion, they will be able to harvest more than 20 million pounds of leafy greens annually across all their sites. The new greenhouse will feature state-of-the-art technology, including advanced heating, cooling, and lighting systems. Additionally, it will leverage natural resources such as solar power and fresh rainwater. Little Leaf Farms will continue to implement its hands-free automated grow system, ensuring that the leafy greens remain untouched from seed to packaging, eliminating the need for washing. With lettuce being farmed year-round and harvested daily, Little Leaf Farms can deliver their greens from the greenhouse to the grocery store within 24 hours.
Governor Shapiro praised Pennsylvania’s agricultural heritage and emphasized the state’s role as a leader in agriculture, job creation, and innovation. He expressed his enthusiasm for Little Leaf Farms’ investment in Pennsylvania, noting that it showcases the state’s potential for growth and development in the agricultural sector. Governor Shapiro reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting farmers, scientists, and entrepreneurs who want to contribute to Pennsylvania’s thriving agricultural landscape.
In addition to its greenhouse expansion, Little Leaf Farms demonstrated its commitment to the local community by presenting a $10,000 donation to Feeding Pennsylvania, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing hunger and food insecurity across the state. The funds will be distributed to member food banks to provide assistance to individuals in need.
Looking ahead, Little Leaf Farms remains focused on its mission to transform the way food is grown and bring fresh, leafy greens to consumers. The brand has set an ambitious target of surpassing $100 million in retail sales by the end of 2023. With the capacity to continue expanding in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, where they operate three greenhouses, Little Leaf Farms is poised for further growth and aims to establish a prominent greenhouse footprint in these regions.
Little Leaf Farms Curved Lettuce Trademark
In a recent development, Little Leaf Farms has filed an application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office to officially trademark the biological morphology, or shape, of its Baby Crispy Green Leaf lettuce. The trademark application specifically references the lettuce’s signature shape, which features a rounded curve leading into the ruffled edges of the leafy greens.
Little Leaf Farms’ Baby Crispy Green Leaf lettuce is instantly recognizable for its playful, curvaceous shape and vibrant green color. Apart from its distinctive appearance, the lettuce variety is known for its fresh, crisp crunch, made possible by the brand’s advanced greenhouse technologies and commitment to local delivery within 24 hours of harvest.
Lindsay Hardie, Vice President of Marketing at Little Leaf Farms, expressed pride in the company’s achievements. She highlighted the positive feedback received from consumers who appreciate spotting Little.
Leaf Farms’ products on restaurant menus and in produce aisles due to the unmistakable shape of their Baby Crispy Green Leaf lettuce. Hardie also mentioned how their lettuce has transformed people’s perception of salad, leading to a better dining experience. This recognition of their unique and eye-catching lettuce shape coincides with the celebration of National Salad Month.
Little Leaf Farms continues to revolutionize the agricultural industry by delivering sustainable, high-quality produce and making significant contributions to local communities. With their expanded greenhouse capacity and ongoing commitment to innovation, the brand is well-positioned for continued success in the greenhouse lettuce market.
