Mushroom grower purchases Florida distribution center

Kennett Square-based South Mill Champs, one of the largest high-quality mushroom growers in North America, recently purchased a distribution center in Lakeland, Fla.

The more than 30,000-square-foot, food-grade facility will begin operating this month following upgrades.

“Florida is a natural extension of our sales network,” Lewis Macleod, South Mill Champs CEO, said. “Our expansion into Florida is in line with our mission as we meet the increasing demand from our customers, many of which have a significant presence in this key market.”

Macleod said that consumers are increasingly educated on the health and environmental benefits of mushrooms, and market demand is increasing.

The company operates farms in Pennsylvania and British Columbia and distribution centers in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, and New Orleans. The centers slice mushrooms they receive from the farm and provide seasonal produce to the local food-service and retail markets.

According to retail data from the Mushroom Council published in September, national mushroom retail sales are more than 20 percent ahead of last year in sales and 17 percent ahead in pounds.

In addition, for 26 straight weeks, mushrooms have been on the list of top 10 fruits and vegetables and had the highest year-over-year sales gains.