Teamwork is core value at Naples Fresh
Added on 07 June 2023
The Martins family operates a 45,000-square-foot operation in Naples, FL. Saint Clair Sr. has a background in engineering, Saint’Clair Jr. formerly worked in animal feed, and Nicholas worked in retail operations. They are from Buffalo, NY, but noticed the need for a high-tech local leafy greens producer during their frequent visits to Florida.
“Over 90% of the lettuce consumed in the state of Florida comes from out of state, especially California and Arizona,” says Nicholas, who serves as Managing Director. “That was the beginning of the journey — seeing the need for it and figuring out how we were going to execute it. We didn’t see anyone else doing it.”
Naples Fresh specializes in hydroponic lettuce, including butter head lettuce, crunchy reds, and crunchy greens. The operation opened in 2017 as an outdoor organic grower of cucumbers and bell peppers, then moved to greenhouses in 2019.
Artificial Intelligence Aids in Production
Nicholas says Naples Fresh has a biosecured, high-tech hydroponic operation. The greenhouses are fully screened and fully automated, meaning that the entire production system is run remotely. Artificial intelligence plays a key role in production. Naples Fresh uses software that controls all aspects of plant nutrition and the growing environment, such as heat, cooling, humidity, and lighting. The small scale of this operation allows the team to control the environment precisely, Nicholas says.
Photo caption: The team at Naples Fresh is critical to its success, including, from left, Ryan Wallach, Ely Aguilar, Saint’Clair Martins Jr., Maria Sanchez, Nicholas Martins, and Saint’Clair Martins Sr. Photo: Marissa Zarlinga Photography
More news
