Hapco Farms’ Florida carrot program now in full swing

Hapco Farms launched a carrot program earlier this year in Old Town, FL, and that is now in full swing and producing quality carrots with plenty of volume. 

This new crop, just 30 miles from the company’s operation in O’Brien, FL, has proven to be very successful in its first season, growing medium and jumbos, which are packed on-site under the Fresh from the Start brand as well as under private label.  

“It has been a lot of work getting this new crop going and building our new packing facility, but the crop has exceeded our expectations, and our customers are very happy,” said Eric Scannelli, COO of Hapco Farms, which is headquartered in Westhampton Beach, NY.  

Hapco Farms, the growing division of ADS Management, continues to expand its acreage on the East Coast with the goal of growing more product closer to its customer base. 

“Shortening the supply chain from the farm to our customer locations ensures fresher product with less travel time, lower costs and a reduced carbon footprint — all things our customers are asking for,” Scannelli said.  

Scannelli added that Hapco expects to be harvesting carrots in Florida through June before moving to its Canadian carrot crop with partner company MR Farms, while experiencing no gaps in supply. 

Hapco Farms and Montreal-based MR Farms have a long history of farming and family. MR Farm’s, which is owned and operated by the Riendeau family, and Hapco Farms, which is owned and operated by the Pollak family, have been doing business together for over 40 years. 

“We are family,” said Dominic Riendeau, president of MR Farms. “We have grown up together and grown our businesses together.” 

Riendeau added that by working together and planning their growing schedules, the two companies can provide customers with fresh product year-round, especially with the carrot program. 

Hapco Farms grows in Florida from January through June, and MR Farms picks up from July through December. 

“With Hapco Farms now growing in Florida, we have a full-year program in place that includes growing and packing in both locations, making this a turnkey, year-round program for our customers,” said Riendeau.

MR Farms and Hapco Farms will be exhibiting in booth No. 2741 at the 100th annual CPMA Convention in Montreal April 8-10 promoting their year-round carrot program and other offerings.

Top photo: Dominic Riendeau, president of MR Farms, based in Montreal, which partners with Hapco Farms to supply carrots on a year-round basis.