Mucci Farms has acquired controlling interest of Ontario-based Orangeline Farms, including its existing facilities and additional land with plans for expansion.

North America-based produce company Mucci also announced additional expansion plans in Canada and the U.S.

"It's an exciting time for the company as we continue our aggressive expansion plans to increase our local and regional production," says Bert Mucci, CEO.

"The Orangeline acquisition comes with a 32-acre greenhouse and a warehouse with additional land totaling 100 acres. Consumers are demanding more local production, and we're listening."

Ontario-based Orangeline Farms is predominantly known for its unique pepper offerings grown under the Zing! Healthy Foods brand.

"In searching for growth opportunities for both Orangeline's staff and our ever loyal customers, the chance to partner with a world-class organization like Mucci Farms was an easy decision to make," said Duffy Kniaziew, Orangeline founder.

Mucci Farms will continue to use the Zing! brand for the foreseeable future.

"Duffy and his team have done a great job with the brand and it's familiar in our region, so we're not looking to make any dramatic changes at the moment," said Emily Murracas, director of Marketing.

Originally a 60-acre project in Huron, Ohio, the company has also acquired additional land adjacent to the current property to increase the totality of the enterprise to 75-acres.

"The first 24-acre phase is in its second season of harvesting, and we'll be building two more identical ranges. Phase two construction is already underway," remarked Bert Mucci.

"The Ohio program has gotten off to a great start and we're looking forward to growing our presence in the community and the regional market."

Mucci Farms is a vertically integrated fruit and vegetable grower that owns and operates 250-acres of tomato, pepper, cucumber, lettuce and strawberry greenhouses in Canada and the U.S., with a partner-grower network of 1500 acres.