Kingsville, ON (September 14, 2023) – Mastronardi Produce, a fourth-generation family-owned business that pioneered commercial greenhouse growing in North America, has been recognized for leadership in career development. At an awards ceremony held on Wednesday evening, Mastronardi Produce was named the recipient of this year’s Business Excellence Award for Investing in a World Class Workforce. The award from the Chamber of Commerce in Leamington recognizes a business that leads the way in preparing employees for the future by investing in skills development and training, providing career growth opportunities, and modelling lifelong learning.
“At Mastronardi Produce, we want our team members to see this as a place where they can grow, build lifelong careers, and make a difference,” said Paul Mastronardi, President and CEO of Mastronardi Produce. “Our talented team has brought us to where we are today, and we are proud to support employee growth in any way we can.”
Mastronardi Produce started as a family business in the 1940s under greenhouse pioneer Umberto Mastronardi and is now the leading greenhouse operator in North America. In the last 25 years, the company has seen tremendous growth in its workforce from a handful of employees in Kingsville, Ontario to over 3,000 employees in Canada, the US, Mexico, and Holland — what the company affectionately calls its “Flavor Nation” family.
Team members at Mastronardi Produce are encouraged to pursue professional development programs paid for by the company which advance their skills and knowledge in fresh produce. Many employees also take advantage of a tuition reimbursement program for post-graduate education covering up to 50% of academic course fees. In support of local communities, the company engages its employees in multiple fundraisers, fresh produce donations, races, and more under an employee engagement program.
“In a world that is constantly evolving, where challenges are met with resilience and opportunities are turned into success stories, Mastronardi Produce has demonstrated exceptional talent,” said Wendy Parsons, General Manager of the Leamington District Chamber of Commerce. “Your business is a testament to the power of vision, hard work and perseverance.”
Earlier this year, Mastronardi Produce was recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed companies for the 14th year in a row and called on North Americans to join its “Flavor Revolution”. Working at state-of-the-art greenhouses, offices, and distribution centers, Mastronardi’s teams have earned international awards for flavor, quality, and innovation. To join the Flavor Revolution at Mastronardi Produce, apply at www.sunsetgrown.com/careers.
About Mastronardi Produce Ltd.®
A pioneer and industry leader in the gourmet greenhouse industry, Mastronardi Produce grows and markets nationally recognized products under the SUNSET® brand, including Campari®, Flavor Bombs®, and Angel Sweet® tomatoes. Mastronardi Produce has been family-owned for over 70 years and prides itself on producing consistently flavorful gourmet tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and berries.
Company Contact:
Audra Macintyre, Communications Specialist
o: 519-326-3218
c: 519-791-9965
audra.macintyre@sunsetgrown.com
