Sprouts Farmers Market held an exciting grand opening on Thursday, Oct. 12 for its cutting-edge distribution center in Fullerton. This state-of-the-art facility is specifically designed to improve product delivery times and ensure the freshness of produce shipped to Sprouts markets. With a total area of 337,000 square feet, located at 1829 E. Orangethorpe Ave., the center has been in operation since April and currently caters to over 95 Sprouts locations within a 250-mile radius. To support the ripening process, it features temperature-controlled “ripening rooms” maintained at 34 and 55 degrees.
“This ensures optimal conditions for produce storage, providing shoppers perfectly ripe avocados and bananas,” explained Sprouts CEO Jack Sinclair.
The Fullerton facility, which employs an impressive team of over 190 workers, will also have a positive impact on the environment. By significantly reducing transportation-related emissions, it is projected to eliminate approximately 725,000 miles from current delivery routes due to its relatively closer proximity to stores. As an example, the Fullerton facility is only 26 miles away from Los Angeles, while the next closest distribution center in Union City, Ca. is a considerable 368 miles away.
Sprouts Farmers Market, based in Phoenix, operates multiple distribution centers in Aurora, Colo., Glendale, Ariz., Orlando, Fla., Wilmer, Texas, and East Point, Ga., in addition to the Fullerton center.
A recent survey conducted by Deloitte has revealed that 68% of shoppers are willing to pay a premium for fresh foods. On average, consumers are willing to pay up to 28% more for fresh food when compared to frozen, canned, or processed alternatives.
However, the survey also highlighted that at least 80% of consumers and grocers believe that food suppliers have increased prices unnecessarily in order to boost their profits.
While price is undoubtedly an important factor when purchasing fresh foods, the study noted that consumers are also seeking information related to supply chain and sustainability.
The Fullerton distribution center exemplifies Sprouts’ commitment to sustainability by providing 11 electric vehicle charging stations for employees and incorporating an EV terminal truck to facilitate daily yard operations. Additionally, the grocery chain has plans to integrate solar panels at the center.
This distribution center will also support and expand Sprouts’ partnerships with various local growers, including Eco Farms in Temecula, Cyma Orchids in Oxnard, Valdivia Farms in Carslbad, and Windset Farms in Santa Maria, among others.
As a way to commemorate the opening of the Fullerton distribution center, the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation is awarding a generous sum of $65,000 to support new school gardening and nutrition education programs at Maple Elementary School and Commonwealth Elementary School in Fullerton.
The Deloitte report further revealed that 91% of consumers believe that a wholesome diet includes fresh food, while 64% of grocery retail executives consider fresh food to be the most important department for their company’s sales growth plan in the next 12-36 months.
In recent years, grocery retailers have faced a myriad of challenges. In addition to rising costs and increasing inflation, they have had to deal with significant disruptions in the supply chain, ranging from shipping delays to labor shortages.
According to Sprouts’ most recent second-quarter earnings report, the company achieved $1.7 billion in net sales and successfully opened six new stores. Additionally, the company experienced a 3.2% increase in same-store sales for the quarter.
Headquartered in Phoenix, Sprouts employs approximately 31,000 individuals and operates more than 400 stores nationwide.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
