Sprouts Farmers Market has unveiled a 337,000-square-foot distribution center in Fullerton, California, that it says will enhance the efficiency and freshness of produce deliveries to some 95 stores within a 250-mile radius of the site.
The facility will also support the company’s ongoing expansion across California and the U.S., as well as efforts to improve its environmental impact and sustainability.
Highlights include:
- Storage and fruit-ripening rooms;
- Reduction of transportation-related emissions by saving an estimated 725,000 miles from delivery routes;
- Tracking for future solar panel implementation and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification, a framework for a high-efficient and cost-effective green buildings; and
- Eleven electric vehicle charging stations for employees, as well as an EV terminal truck to help with daily yard operations.
“We are committed to bringing the freshest, locally sourced produce to market, and the Fullerton distribution center exemplifies this commitment,” said CEO Jack Sinclair.
“Equipped with advanced ripening rooms, the new distribution center ensures optimal conditions for produce storage, providing shoppers with perfectly ripe avocados and bananas. Our ability to deliver fresh, high-quality produce at an exceptional value is supported by our network of distribution centers, direct grower relationships and enhanced quality control.”
The distribution center will support and expand Sprouts’ farm partnerships with growers such as Cyma Orchid, Five Crowns, HMC Farms, Kingsburg Orchards, Muranaka Farms, Oceanside Pole Tomatoes, Valdivia Farms, Prima Wawona, Windset Farms, G & M Farms and Eco Farms.
In addition, Sprouts is engaging Lineage to manage warehouse operations at the facility, with Penske Logistics as the dedicated transportation fleet operator. The site has created more than 190 full-time jobs.
To celebrate the opening, the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation is awarding $65,000 to support school gardening and nutrition education programs at Maple and Commonwealth Elementary Schools in Fullerton.
Sprouts partners with local food rescue organizations, including Helping Hands Food Pantry and Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. On average, the Fullerton distribution center will donate about 38,000 pounds of produce each month to local food banks.
In addition to Fullerton, Sprouts has distribution centers in Aurora, Colorado; Union City, California; Glendale, Arizona; Orlando, Florida; Wilmer, Texas; and East Point, Georgia.
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