In North America, Mastronardi Produce LTD is a well-known name, not just for its distinctive supermarket packaging, but especially for its strong focus on flavor and quality. ‘Everything at Mastronardi revolves around delivering the best taste experience,’ says Christopher Gill, Vice President of Greenhouse Development. ‘If a product looks great but lacks rich flavor, it doesn’t meet our standards.’

Rooted in tomatoes, growing potential in berries
Mastronardi is a fourth-generation family business that has grown into a market leader in the cultivation and marketing of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and berries. It was Paul Mastronardi who turned a tomato variety into a brand. The Campari tomato became an icon in greenhouse farming and a true gamechanger in the North American market. Today, the company is also entering the berry segment, which holds major potential. Through BerryWorld North America, Mastronardi offers exclusive varieties with superior taste. Christopher says, ‘Flavor is our full focus. We’re always chasing that wow-factor.’

Delivering high-tech greenhouses in challenging conditions
Exceptional taste requires three things: quality varieties, a dedicated and experienced team, and of course the greenhouse itself. A high-tech greenhouse provides a controlled environment, allowing plants to receive exactly what they need through advanced technology, from humidity management to irrigation and fertilization. Havecon has been Mastronardi’s trusted partner for high-tech greenhouses since 2010.

‘Since then, we’ve completed many challenging projects together in places like Coldwater (Michigan), Laredo (Texas), Oneida (New York), and Wapakoneta (Ohio). These projects varied in size and scope, from 19 to 64 hectares, covering both new builds and rebuilds. Most were constructed during winter months, with temperatures dropping as low as -20°C,’ Christopher explains.

He sees Havecon as the go-to company for building high-quality greenhouses quickly, even in harsh conditions. He elaborates: ‘In Ohio, we dismantled and completely rebuilt a 19-hectare greenhouse in just 4.5 months, including all underground piping and cabling. The facility includes artificial lighting, double screening, fogging systems, full pipe rail/snow/grow heating, central flushing, eight gutters per section, and a full irrigation upgrade with reverse osmosis, oxygenation, new tank linings, a bioreactor, and new mixing tanks.’ Many industry experts thought such a timeline was unrealistic, but Havecon proved them wrong. ‘I’m convinced we could only have pulled that off with the Havecon team.’

An involved and demanding client
Christopher describes himself as a demanding client, but one who keeps his boots on the ground. ‘I’ve seen a lot of projects and worked with many different suppliers in the horticultural sector. I’ve learned from each one, and I bring that experience into every new project. I ask questions, and I stay involved in areas where other clients might not even look,’ he says. ‘I also believe I can expect just as much from my colleagues and suppliers as I expect from myself. I communicate that directly, even by Dutch standards, but it always comes from a place of striving for quality.’

He praises the Havecon team, particularly Adnan, Frank and Dean, for their ability to manage technical complexity and keep the collaboration running smoothly. ‘We understand each other’s interests and challenges and we make sure the relationship stays strong. There’s mutual trust, and that’s incredibly valuable.’

© Mastronardi

There’s always room for improvement, he adds. For example, some final punch list items after a major project can take longer to resolve than preferred, a common issue in construction. But with Havecon, he says, that’s something they actively stay on top of. After all, the last few meters count just as much as the first.

Maintaining partnerships in unpredictable times
Christopher also sees a challenge in the sector’s reliance on European materials and labor. ‘We’re heading into uncertain times. To keep costs manageable, there needs to be more incentive to source production and labor in North America. I’m very curious to see how Havecon responds to U.S. trade restrictions, because I absolutely want to continue our partnership.’

For him, the difference lies in the quality of the workforce. ‘Their staff are well trained. Havecon employs real specialists. And that’s the core of the story I bring to Mastronardi’s executive team. We’re not just signing off on the steel and glass. We’re investing in the people whose expertise makes the difference.’

Driving innovation to shape the future
One of Mastronardi’s key ambitions is to establish its own research and development center. Christopher shares, ‘In 2026, we plan to start building an innovation center where we can test new technologies together with partners like Havecon. By actively driving innovation ourselves, we can stay ahead in the industry. That way, we inspire others and help elevate the global sector as a whole.’

For more information:
Mastronardi Produce
Tel: 519-326-3218
[email protected]
www.sunsetgrown.com