Feb. 18, 2010, Kingsville, Ont. – Mastronardi Produce Ltd. has added to its already impressive list of awards and accomplishments, this week being named one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies for 2009. 

Mastronardi Produce built the first commercial greenhouse in North America in the 1940s and has been family owned for four generations. The company is owned by Don Mastronardi (centre) and his children, Paul Mastronardi and Marne Safrance. PHOTO COURTESY MASTRONARDI PRODUCE

“We are absolutely thrilled with the announcement that we have been named one of Canada’s 50 best Managed Companies,” said company president Paul Mastronardi. “This prestigious award speaks volumes to the history of our company and the direction we are heading in for the future.” While being a family owned company that is employee managed does have its challenges, “we are all very passionate and strive to improve our company on a daily basis. This award is a tremendous pat on the back to all our employees, and an acknowledgment of the great foundations my father, and his father built.”

John Hughes is a partner in the Private Company Services group with Deloitte, a national sponsor of the Best Managed Program. “We would like to congratulate Mastronardi Produce Ltd. and its entire workforce. Achieving Canada’s highest level of Canadian business excellence takes a united effort and we are privileged to acknowledge such a strong team.”

Established in 1993, the Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies is a national awards program, recognizing Canadian companies that have implemented world-class business practices and created value in innovative ways. Applications are reviewed by an independent judging panel that evaluates how companies address various business challenges, including new technologies, globalization, brand management, leadership, leveraging and developing core competencies, designing information systems, and hiring the right talent to facilitate growth.  

“It takes a company focused on values, a strong business plan, and most of all hard work, to succeed in today’s market place” said Calvin Younger, senior vice-president, CIBC Commercial Banking. “Companies winning this year’s Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies exemplify these traits.” 

The selection committee applauded Mastronardi for their innovation, strategic direction, corporate culture, and industry leading initiatives including The Green Grass Project™ which highlights the elements in the company’s business process that are environmentally friendly. 

Mastronardi Produce began growing vegetables in Leamington, Ontario in the 1920s and was a pioneer of building commercial greenhouses in North America in the 1940s. Over the years, Mastronardi has developed its nationally recognized SUNSET® brand of produce in to a household name with quality products like the Campari® cocktail, Splendido™ grape, One Sweet™cherry and Kumato™ brown tomatoes.

Known for their extensive variety of gourmet greenhouse tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers, Mastronardi grows, markets, and ships produce to major retailers across North America.