How Mastronardi Produce Has Become a Model for Investing in Your Workforce
September 20, 2023 
Mastronardi Produce has been recognized for its leadership in career development. At an awards ceremony held by the Chamber of Commerce in Leamington, Ontario, in early September, Mastronardi Produce was named the recipient of this year’s Business Excellence Award for Investing in a World Class Workforce. The award recognizes a business that leads the way in preparing employees for the future by investing in skills development and training, providing career growth opportunities, and modeling lifelong learning.
“At Mastronardi Produce, we want our team members to see this as a place where they can grow, build lifelong careers, and make a difference,” says Paul Mastronardi, President and CEO of Mastronardi Produce. “Our talented team has brought us to where we are today, and we are proud to support employee growth in any way we can.”
Mastronardi Produce started as a family business in the 1940s under greenhouse pioneer Umberto Mastronardi and is now one of the largest greenhouse operations in North America. In the last 25 years, the company has seen tremendous growth in its workforce from a handful of employees in Kingsville, Ontario to more than 3,000 employees in Canada, the U.S., Mexico, and Holland — what the company affectionately calls its “Flavor Nation” family.
Team members at Mastronardi Produce are encouraged to pursue professional development programs paid for by the company that advance their skills and knowledge in fresh produce. Many employees also take advantage of a tuition reimbursement program for post-graduate education covering up to 50% of academic course fees. In support of local communities, the company engages its employees in multiple fundraisers, fresh produce donations, races, and more under an employee engagement program.
“In a world that is constantly evolving, where challenges are met with resilience and opportunities are turned into success stories, Mastronardi Produce has demonstrated exceptional talent,” says Wendy Parsons, General Manager of the Leamington District Chamber of Commerce. “Your business is a testament to the power of vision, hard work, and perseverance.”
Earlier this year, Mastronardi Produce was recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed companies for the 14th year in a row and called on North Americans to join its “Flavor Revolution”. Working at state-of-the-art greenhouses, offices, and distribution centers, Mastronardi’s teams have earned international awards for flavor, quality, and innovation.
To join the Flavor Revolution at Mastronardi Produce, apply at www.sunsetgrown.com/careers. Learn more about the company by revisiting Greenhouse Grower’s 2020 cover story on Mastronardi.
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