Taylor Farms Expands with Acquisition of Equinox Growers

Taylor Farms, a family-owned company headquartered in Salinas, California, has acquired Equinox Growers, a high-tech leafy greens greenhouse in Louisa, Virginia, from Generate Capital. The move marks a significant move to strengthen its presence in controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) and expand access to locally grown produce across the Eastern United States.

The facility, described as the largest commercial greenhouse in the Mid-Atlantic, produces a wide range of leafy greens using advanced growing technology. Under the deal, the existing Equinox Growers team will continue to manage operations while the facility becomes fully integrated into Taylor Farms’ product portfolio and cold-chain distribution network.

Taylor Farms operates production facilities across North America and Europe and is one of the world’s largest producers of fresh salads and value-added produce. The acquisition of Equinox Growers underscores its continued investment in innovation, sustainability and supply chain resilience as it looks to meet evolving consumer preferences.

Company officials said the acquisition aligns with growing demand for consistent, high-quality greenhouse-grown produce and supports the company’s broader strategy to diversify supply sources.

“Retailers and consumers alike are increasingly seeking long-term, reliable access to greenhouse grown produce,” said T. Bruce Taylor, senior vice president of marketing and product. “We’re taking a major step forward into controlled-environment agriculture as this acquisition allows us to continue diversifying our raw product supply—both in geography and growing method—while meeting the rising demand for high-quality greenhouse-grown salads.”

By combining the scale of the Louisa greenhouse with Taylor Farms’ established distribution network, the company expects to improve product freshness and expand availability of locally grown greens throughout the Eastern U.S.

The controlled-environment agriculture segment, particularly greenhouse-grown lettuce, has seen rapid growth in recent years. Industry estimates show the category expanding at roughly 25% annually, driven by consumer demand for year-round availability, freshness and consistent quality.

Sydney Ramskill, vice president of CEA at Taylor Farms, emphasized the experience of the Equinox Growers team as a key asset in the acquisition.

“This greenhouse is led by a world-class group of growers and operators with more than 120 years of combined experience,” Ramskill said. “With a focus on freshness, flavor and value, we are excited to grow our greenhouse programs in our brands and our customer partners’ brands.”

John McMahon, president of Equinox Growers, noted the partnership represents the next step for the facility, which has been developed as a technologically advanced operation in the region.

“We’re incredibly proud of the hard work our team has put into developing this facility and creating an operation that is truly worthy of a partner like Taylor Farms,” McMahon said. “Seeing Taylor Farms’ strong commitment to the CEA space is both energizing and inspiring, and we’re delighted to support their vision.”