FreshPoint, a division of the US-based food distribution company Sysco, is all set to open its new FreshPoint Central Florida facility.
The company distributes fruits and vegetables across North America.
FreshPoint president and CEO Robert Gordon said: “For more than 70 years, FreshPoint Central Florida has been a proud member of the Orlando community.
“We are very excited about the enhanced capabilities at this facility to enrich our customers’ overall experience of doing business with FreshPoint and support their success.
“Additionally, this expansion demonstrates FreshPoint’s commitment to its long-standing relationships with our local partners, including local farmers, suppliers and other business partners.”
The new 150,000ft² facility opens tomorrow. It features a new culinary centre that will showcase new products and menu development.
The facility will also help processing operations and allow the company to offer custom cut fruit and vegetable products.
As part of its sustainability measures, FreshPoint has equipped its new facility with LED lighting and energy-efficient coolers. The facility also includes a system that collects produce waste for use in composting and energy production.
FreshPoint will use the facility to store a wide range of locally-grown products. These include tomatoes, citrus, row crop vegetables, microgreens, peaches, speciality potatoes, tropical fruits, grapes, figs and Zellwood Triple Sweet Corn.
In November, Sysco acquired two Hawaii-based fresh produce wholesalers and distributors, Armstrong Produce and Kula Produce.
Established in 1979, Armstrong Produce has wholesaler and distribution operations across Honolulu, Kona and Kahului. Its fresh produce is supplied to a wide range of customers, including local chefs and retailers.
Kula Produce sells fruits and vegetables to serve retail, food service, and institutional customers.