Business
Sprouts Farmers Market Opens Aurora Produce Distribution Center to Support its Growth Strategy Focused on Fresh, Local, and Organic Offerings
The distribution center will support 45 stores and quadruple local selection over time PHOENIX, March 22, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Last week, Sprouts Farmers
About this update from Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"The distribution center will support 45 stores and quadruple local selection over time\nPHOENIX, March 22, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Last week, Sprouts Farmers Market opened a new distribution center in in Aurora, marking its first center in Colorado and its sixth across the country. Sprouts’ ability to offer the freshest, highest-quality produce at a great value is supported through its network of distribution centers, direct grower relationships, and enhanced quality controls. The 135,000 square-foot facility was built for Sprouts and includes 55°F and 34°F storage and fruit ripening rooms that are ideal for the variety of fresh produce Sprouts offers. The center services 45 of the chain’s more than 360 stores, including all locations in Colorado, five stores in Utah, and eight in New Mexico. “As we grow our footprint, we will strategically place new stores and distribution centers closer together to maximize our owned fresh product network. This will better serve our customers who are looking to Sprouts for the best quality and value in fresh and organic produce,” said Chief Fresh Merchandising Officer Scott Neal. “The location of our Aurora facility, combined with features such as ripening rooms for bananas and avocados, two of our top-selling produce items, will immediately provide our stores with an expanded selection of affordable organics.” Sprouts is partnering with Penske Logistics as its third-party logistics provider for the distribution center and dedicated transportation fleet which created 70 new full-time jobs in the market. Last year, the grocer announced it will seek to drive efficiencies across its network of fresh distribution centers by locating them within 250 miles of the stores they serve. A seventh distribution center will open in Florida this summer to expand local produce offerings and guarantee freshness across stores in the state. Sprouts also operates distribution centers in Colton and Union City, Calif.; Glendale, Ariz.; Wilmer, Texas; and Atlanta, Ga. Local Assortment and Community ImpactIn addition to fresh, seasonal and specialty produce, like organic cotton candy grapes, lychee and starfruit, Sprouts will distribute local produce and floral from the new hub. Colorado stores will benefit immediately from expanded local and organic produce varieties, and an all-new local herb and mushroom selectio...