The holiday season will look a little different for WP Rawl as the premier grower, processor and shipper of leafy greens began processing value-added leafy greens at its Bunnell, FL, facility early November.

In 2013, WP Rawl first broke ground on the farming and packingshed operation in Bunnell that included a 34,000-square-foot facility.  Due to increase in demand of both conventional and organic product offerings, the company added acreage in January of 2017.  Fewer than three years later the company has now added its first value-added processing line within the original 34,000-square-foot Florida facility where the company has kicked off its 2019 holiday season preparations.

The entire Florida production line was built with sustainability in mind utilizing 75 percent of existing equipment originally used at the main headquarters in Pelion, SC. The new line will support current production capacities as well as offset growing demand for fresh leafy greens this holiday season.

“Processing in Florida is scheduled to run from now until the first week in January,” said Ashley Rawl, vice president of sales, marketing and product development. “Our ultimate goal would be to make processing continue in Florida year-round. We are excited about the benefits of growing, harvesting, processing and shipping within the same state.”

The additional processing facility also brings more production capacity which creates more flexibility for servicing customers. Current Southeast regional customers could potentially see a reduction in foods miles which allows for fresher product to be received. The company is thrilled for the ability to have more options for servicing customers and meeting their needs.