Phoenix-based Sprouts Farmers Market Inc. recently opened its 135,000-square-foot distribution center just west of the Orlando International Airport, which will create 57 new jobs and support Sprouts' 23 stores in Florida. In addition, the grocer plans to open 10 more stores in the state in 2021.
The $9.3 million distro center is one of two the chain will open in 2021, with the other in Aurora, Colorado. The new sites will bring the company closer to its goal of having its stores no more than 250 miles from the distribution centers, reports the Orlando Business Journal.
Sprouts partnered with Reading, Pennsylvania-based Penske Logistics as its transportation provider at the new Orlando facility.
The facility includes 34°F and 55°F storage and fruit-ripening rooms to provide a wide variety of fresh produce. “With organics representing more than a third of our produce business in Florida, we know shoppers across the state are interested in fresh, affordable organics and local varieties,” said Chief Fresh Merchandising Officer Scott Neal in a prepared statement.
In addition, there's room to grow at the Orlando distribution center, which was built with additional capacity to serve more Sprouts stores in Florida over the longer term, Kalia Pang, Sprouts spokesperson told OBJ.
Further, the grocer this fall will open a fourth location in metro Orlando that joins its existing stores in Winter Park, Oviedo and Orlando's Dr. Phillips area. Stores typically employ 100 workers each.