US-based poultry producer Shenandoah Valley Organic has received US$15m in funding from a consortium of investors as it seeks to expand retail distribution.
The round was led by venture capital firm NRV with participation from Open Prairie, S2G Ventures and the VTC Innovation Fund, owned by Middleland Capital.
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Corwin Heatwole founded Shenandoah Valley Organic (SVO) in 2014. He promotes responsible chicken farming using ethical and humane rearing methods through “sustainable, innovative partnerships” that allow farmers to “retain ownership and grow profitability while also providing traceable, organic meat”.
The business is based in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and counts Farmer Focus as its major brand. Its range includes fresh whole chickens and portions, meatballs and sausages.
The company’ retail distribution currently revolves around smaller grocers such as Pick n Save, Metro Market, Martin’s, Earth Fare and Giant Eagle, although it also has listings with discounter Lidl.
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Heatwole said: “We are pleased to add investors and advisers to the SVO team who share in our vision and mission, and offer deep expertise across the retail and supply chain. This investment will enable SVO to continue expanding our retail footprint and Farmer Focus brand offerings.
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By GlobalData“The company intends to use the funds for investments in plant modernisation to increase throughput volumes, as well as expanded marketing and brand outreach focused on growing Farmer Focus fresh and value-add product sales in leading grocery stores and retail locations throughout the United States.”
Laura Markley, the managing director at Richmond, Virginia-based NRV, added that Shenandoah Valley Organic’s “traceability links products on the shelf back to the specific family farm that sourced them, providing transparency along with a high-quality, clean-label, organic product”.
