BrightFarms to Ohio: Lettuce Serve You

One of Cox’s most exciting new investments this month began serving the supermarkets of Dayton, Columbus and Cincinnati.

The expansion of BrightFarms is made possible by the opening of its fourth advanced greenhouse in Wilmington, Ohio earlier this month. The facility allows BrightFarms to serve over 300 retail locations in nearby markets with 1 million pounds of fresh salad greens, herbs and tomatoes each year. 

Last week, Cox Enterprises President and CEO Alex Taylor joined Chief Financial Officer Dallas Clement and David Blau, vice president of Strategy & Corporate Development, for a tour of the facility.

“BrightFarms is an exciting opportunity for Cox to broaden our commitment to sustainability while investing in a very promising business that is poised to scale nationally,” said Blau. “This is just another way that Cox is making smart plays to diversify our business and build a better future.”  

About BrightFarms

BrightFarms operates advanced greenhouses that produce the No. 1 brand in locally grown, packaged salads. The company operates four facilities in Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and Wilmington, Ohio. BrightFarms was recently recognized by Forbes as one of “The 25 Most Innovative AgTech Startups” in 2018.

The company recently raised over $55 million in equity financing to fuel its growth, with Cox Enterprises as the lead investor.

For Cox Enterprises, the investment in BrightFarms supports a joint strategy in social responsibility and diversified growth.

Since launching Cox Conserves in 2007, Cox has invested more than $100 million in our environmental goals, including sending Zero Waste to Landfill by 2024 and becoming Carbon and Water Neutral by 2044. More recently through our Cleantech initiative, Cox has expanded its investment strategy to include sustainable technology businesses in water, energy and food and agriculture.