Big Marble Farms adds 50+ acres of production
Big Marble Farms Inc., based in Medicine Hat, Alberta, has added the Pik’n’Pak Group of Lacombe, Alberta to its grower network.
Big Marble Farms recently signed a 5 year marketing agreement with Doefs Greenhouses Ltd, S4 Greenhouses East and Gull Valley Greenhouses, the three members of the Pik’n’Pak group.
The Pik’n’Pak Group is adding more than 20 hectares of production space to Big Marble Farms’ rapidly growing production area. 26 acres of pepper plus additional LIT winter acreage of Long English Cucumbers, Mini Cucumbers and TOV fit well with the existing mix of produce that Big Marble Farms is already supplying on the prairies.
Jonathan Schow, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Big Marble Farms has this to say about the new partnership. “We have seen many changes in the greenhouse industry in recent years. Consumer buying habits are changing. Sustainability is paramount in our country and competition is constantly taking too much strategic planning, forward thinking and growth. The Pik’n’Pak group is an excellent breeder with exciting plans for future expansion. We were looking for like minded breeders to complement our expansion plans and the Doefs, S4 and Gull Valley are a perfect fit for us. We are honored to have her on board as part of our team.”
The addition of the Pik’n’Pak Group to the Big Marble Farms family will further solidify the presence of local producers in the prairie region and provide local produce to residents of western Canada.
Ryan Cramer, President of Big Marble Farms, spoke to the benefit of local growers banding together in the prairie region.
“We are very excited to welcome the Pik’n’Pak family to our family! They are a fantastic group of growers who share the same family farming values as we do at Big Marble Farms. This association will strengthen our position as the Major greenhouse producer for the Canadian prairies.”
As one of the largest greenhouse producers on the prairie, Big Marble Farms supplies all major retail chains with fresh local produce year-round. Their focus on sustainability in both growing practices and packaging has made them a standout in the industry and a primary source of produce in their region. With 250 acres under cultivation, Big Marble Farms is poised to change the way greenhouse produce is grown on the prairies.
Joe Doef, President of the Pik’n’Pak Group, describes the new marketing partnership as bringing together two long-standing industry giants into a cohesive entity.
“I am excited about the new merger between Central Alberta’s Pik’n’Pak growers and Southern Alberta’s growers under the Big Marble label. We’re Albertans who grow and market our greenhouse vegetables to Alberta and beyond. For over 50 years, each of our businesses has ridden a unicycle. Now we have teamed up and have a bike!! Just watch us fly!”
Eric Doef, Partner at Doef Greenhous Ltd, echoed his father’s sentiments when speaking of the collaboration between two traditional prairie breeders.
“Pik-N-Pak Produce Ltd is delighted to start a new marketing chapter in partnership with Southern AB’s quality growers! The Big Marble brand is recognized and respected in our industry. This collaboration between two established farming groups will thrive to protect and enhance our growing provincial industry!”
This new partnership is the first of its kind in Alberta. These two Alberta growers will show what the prairie can do when they team up for a common purpose.
For more informations:
Large marble farms
www.bigmarble.ca
