Key Takeaways:
- Soli Organic has expanded into San Antonio to strengthen its supply chain and better serve the Southwest region.
- The San Antonio facility utilizes advanced technology to reduce water and land usage.
- Soli Organic is piloting electric trucks to reduce its carbon footprint and improve logistical efficiency.
- The company’s future plans include expanding product offerings and continuing its focus on sustainability and innovation.
Expanding into San Antonio to Strengthen Supply Chains
Soli Organic recently announced its expansion into San Antonio, Texas, as part of a broader strategy to enhance its operations across the Southwest. CEO Matt Ryan explained that Soli Organic’s approach to expansion is guided by a commitment to deliver value to consumers, focusing on markets that offer strategic advantages. According to Ryan, the new facility is well-positioned in the Brooks community, a location he describes as a “vibrant place for business with a dedicated focus on innovation.”
This new location is intended to improve the company’s ability to serve both retailers and customers in the Texas Triangle, a fast-growing region that includes major cities like Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. “The strategic location will strengthen our supply chains and further our ability to serve 3,000 retailers and millions of customers across the fast-growing Texas Triangle and the Southwest region with more locally grown product,” Ryan noted.
By expanding into this area, Soli Organic aims to support local food systems while reducing food miles. This move aligns with the company’s goal of providing fresh, organic products to consumers in a more sustainable and efficient manner.
Technological Advancements at the San Antonio Facility
The San Antonio facility, which spans 140,000 square feet, represents Soli Organic’s most technologically advanced operation to date. The facility incorporates a variety of technologies aimed at maximizing efficiency and minimizing environmental impact. Ryan explained that the facility is designed to use “90% less water and 99% less land than traditional outdoor farming,” thanks to the company’s proprietary organic growing system.
The facility also includes an on-site packing unit, allowing Soli Organic to manage production from cultivation to packaging under one roof. This integrated approach, Ryan said, enhances both product quality and operational efficiency. “Coupled with an on-site packing facility, we’re achieving unparalleled quality and unit economics, delivering the highest value for consumers,” he added.
Piloting Electric Trucks to Reduce Carbon Footprint
In another effort to enhance sustainability, Soli Organic has begun piloting the use of electric trucks within its logistics operations. Jeffrey Saunders, vice president of national logistics at Soli Organic, pointed out that transportation is a significant contributor to the company’s carbon footprint. To address this, Soli Organic has introduced electric trucks as part of its broader sustainability strategy. “Like most food companies, food miles from transport form a significant percentage of our carbon footprint,” Saunders stated.
The electric truck pilot is currently underway, with Soli Organic evaluating several performance metrics, including cost per mile and the vehicle’s ability to handle challenging terrain. Saunders emphasized that while the pilot is still in its early stages, the company is optimistic about its potential. “What we hope to prove with this transition is that: 1) We can operate an electric vehicle even over the tougher terrain in the Shenandoah Valley where we are testing; 2) Our delivery schedule has enough discipline that we can easily plan in charge periods for the truck; and, 3) Our costs stay similar or lower per mile,” Saunders said.
Penske Truck Leasing, a key logistics partner, is supporting the maintenance of the electric vehicles and providing access to charging infrastructure. This partnership is expected to minimize operational challenges as the company explores the potential for electric trucks in its nationwide fleet.
Looking Ahead: Expansion and Innovation
Soli Organic’s focus on growth and innovation is not limited to its current operations. Looking to the future, the company aims to expand its product offerings and further refine its logistics strategy. According to Ryan, Soli Organic is placing a particular focus on expanding its presence in the leafy greens market. “Our next area for significant focus is leafy greens, where we already have a toehold,” Ryan said, emphasizing the company’s intent to continue evaluating new markets based on consumer demand and the availability of resources.
Ryan also acknowledged that the company is closely monitoring the outcomes of its electric truck pilot program. Following the pilot, Soli Organic plans to assess the role of electric vehicles in its long-term logistics strategy, which may lead to a broader rollout of electric trucks across its fleet. “Following the six-month pilot, Soli Organic will evaluate the role of electric trucks in our strategy to inform the future transformation of our best-in-class refrigerated transportation service,” Ryan added.
Industry Leadership in Sustainability
Soli Organic’s approach to sustainable agriculture extends beyond its own operations. The company’s focus on growing produce in living soil, combined with its proprietary precision organic fertilizer, has helped it carve out a unique position in the controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) space. Ryan pointed out that this soil-based system allows Soli Organic to achieve higher crop yields while reducing the use of water and land. “Our design enables growth with 90% less water and 99% less land than traditional outdoor farming,” he explained.
Soli Organic also remains focused on exploring new technologies that could further improve sustainability and efficiency. One area of interest for the company is packaging innovations, which Ryan noted is critical to providing consumers with products that are not only high-quality but also environmentally friendly.
As demand for organic and sustainably sourced products continues to rise, Soli Organic aims to meet these expectations while setting new benchmarks for the broader agricultural industry. By combining advanced technology, sustainable practices, and a commitment to quality, the company is positioning itself as a leader in the future of farming.
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