When we entered the marketing agreement with Houweling Nurseries in 2001, it was the beginning of a new era. Our greenhouse category, comprised of tomatoes, cucumbers and bell peppers, is soon to be our largest at 10 million packages. Houweling Nurseries grows tomatoes and cucumbers on operations in Delta, B.C., and Oxnard, CA. Casey Houweling is one of only two North American greenhouse growers producing tomatoes year-round, providing a strategic advantage for The Oppenheimer Group. Recently, we inked an agreement to represent 100 percent of the products grown by Houweling in North America.

Casey's father, a Dutch immigrant, founded the company in 1974. During that time the greenhouse industry in B.C.'s Lower Mainland was expanding dramatically. With latitude and light levels like those in Holland, Canadian growers were the first to apply indoor vegetable growing techniques in North America.

In 1976, Casey and his brother Paul went to work for their father, and they purchased his interest in the company in 1980, when the operation consisted of only one floral greenhouse on three acres of land.

In the 15 years that followed, the Houweling's Delta facility expanded to encompass 46 acres of tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers. The nursery also built a considerable business propagating vegetable plants.

In 1995, Houwelings Nurseries purchased 160 acres in Oxnard, CA. The site was selected for its consistent light throughout the year, cool temperatures during the summer months, and proximity to Los Angeles -- prime produce marketing grounds.

"By the mid-1990s, retailers were beginning to consolidate and demand more from suppliers," Casey explained. "We knew that to offer them uninterrupted 52-week programs, a growing operation in a warmer climate was needed. In four years, 84 acres of greenhouses were built in Oxnard, along with two packing facilities and administrative offices."

Last spring, Casey's Delta greenhouses brought us tomatoes on the vine and cucumbers in peak volumes. 'Summer production' runs March through October, then transitioning to 'winter production' in Oxnard.

Casey explained that greenhouse products offer retailers significant advantages.

"Because we can control the climate within a greenhouse, we can produce vegetables that are superior to field grown in taste, color, appearance and shelf life," he said. "This is particularly important during periods when local production is not available."

In 2002, Houweling's tomatoes were among the first products to be marketed in the Oppenheimer box.

Casey said that he enjoys watching consumer trends in greenhouse-grown products.

"Greenhouse tomatoes now make up 20 percent of the entire fresh tomato category, up from only three percent a few years ago," he said. "Greenhouse tomatoes may also be 50 percent more nutritious than field-grown tomatoes, and are high in lycopene and other antioxidants. Bell pepper consumption in the U.S. has increased 80 percent from 1999 to 2000, and cucumbers continue to show potential."

Casey and his wife Linda have three daughters, Rebecca (12), Monica (10), and April (8). Casey enjoys skiing, but admits that his work keeps him too busy to hit the slopes very often.