Mushroom
Farming Innovations
How our innovative growing practices have made us industry pioneers
As industry innovators at the forefront of the mushroom growing industry, we are a dependable source for exceptional quality mushrooms and value-added mushroom products. Here’s a brief look at the history of our advancements, innovations, and all that we have been able to accomplish in the mushroom industry in the past 90 years.
1932
The Beginning
South Mill’s roots began 4 generations ago in 1932 when John Pia, an Italian immigrant, began operating a small mushroom farm in southeastern Chester County, Pennsylvania.
1950
Focus changes from mushroom growing to the production and sale of mushroom substrate.
1982
The Next Big Step
The Pia family, through its marketing division of South Mill Mushroom Sales, purchased their Kennett Square, Pennsylvania mushroom-growing operation from the Clorox Corporation. South Mill converted the production of this facility to the fresh market, which was just beginning to develop in the United States.
1984
A large mushroom farm in Landenberg, Pennsylvania is purchased.
Vacuum cooling is implemented in the mushroom farms, providing the ability to cool mushrooms in just 20 minutes
1986
The move to direct harvesting reduces bruising and increases the quality and life of the mushrooms.
1994
South Mill Distribution is Born
South Mill Distribution, the company’s concept of “bringing the farm to market” by establishing regional mushroom distribution centers throughout the United States near major metropolitan cities, is launched in Dallas Texas.
1996
New Composting Technology
South Mill begins testing a new and innovative technology to produce mushroom growing substrate indoors in specially designed fermentation bunkers or “tunnels,” nearly eliminating any negative impact on the neighboring area and environment.
1996
A new distribution center opened in Houston, Texas and a transfer station in Statesville, North Carolina.
1998
South Mill Distribution opens a facility in New Orleans, Louisiana.
2000
Twelve Fermentation Tunnels Start-up
Twelve fully enclosed Phase I mushroom substrate fermentation tunnels – the first of their kind in North America – go live. The beneficial results of this new technology are immediately evident in South Mill’s productivity.
2000
Atlanta, Georgia was chosen to establish a fifth mushroom distribution center.
2002
Six pasteurization tunnels roll out, the first to incorporate “walking floor” technology in the material-handling process.
2004
Product line offerings were expanded to include many fruits and vegetables.
2005
Modern Logistics Technology
South Mill was one of the first mushroom farms in the country to install modern logistics technology in its over-the-road refrigerated transportation fleet. Important delivery data including, change of schedule, change of delivery locations and estimated times of arrival (ETA) could be communicated to the customer in real time.
2006
South Mill Secures National Brand Marketing Rights
South Mill (one of only two suppliers of white mushrooms nationwide) secured rights, as a sub-licensee, to market the “Dole” brand on a national basis for all fresh mushroom products.
2007
Seven additional pasteurization tunnels come online.
2008
Food Safety, Our
Proudest Achievement
South Mill became the first mushroom farm in the United States to pass the higher standards of food safety as defined by the USDA MGAP audit. South Mill exemplifies a high commitment to food safety, setting a leadership tone for the mushroom industry by volunteering to be the first mushroom farm in the country to undergo this rigorous standard.
2009
South Mill assumed the business of Manfredini Enterprises, a local mushroom distributor with operations in North Lima, Ohio and Louisville, Kentucky.
South Mill added a refrigerated and frozen storage facility at its headquarters.
2010
South Mill began operation of its new Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) process.
2010
South Mill Expands It’s Growing
South Mill purchases a large mushroom farm in West Grove, Pennsylvania with 36 growing rooms, increasing overall growing capacity by 20%.
2011
Portabella and crimini mushroom production begins.
2012
25,000 sq. foot warehouse facility in Houston is purchased.
2012
South Mill began baling wheat straw in North Carolina to supplement existing sources.
2015
South Mill received its organic handler certification for the IQF facility.
2016
Organic growing and fresh handling certification obtained.
2017
South Mill and Champs are Acquired and Rebranded
New York-based investment company EOS Partners acquired a controlling stake in South Mill. With the acquisition of Champs Mushrooms in British Columbia, Canada, the brand underwent an amalgamation, becoming South Mill Champs.
2019
Distribution network expands to Los Angeles.
2019
Launch of Value-Added Segment
On the forefront of mushroom innovation, South Mill Champs launched a new value-added line of mushroom products, including mushroom crisps, mushroom jerky, and mushroom coffee.
2019
South Mill Champs purchased nearly one million square feet of growing space, on a 134-acre hay farm in Elk Township, near Maryland.
2020
Acquisition of Loveday Mushroom farms in Manitoba, Canada
Canada’s longest-running fresh mushroom farm, Loveday Mushrooms, was acquired by South Mill Champs. Loveday Mushroom Farms is a high quality, multi-generational composter and mushroom grower, serving Canadian retail and foodservice customers from Alberta to Northwest Ontario.
2020
Acquisition of The Mushroom Company in Cambridge, Maryland
South Mill Champs acquired The Mushroom Company whose product capabilities range from individually quick-frozen (IQF) to canning, blanching, blending, and roasting mushrooms and other vegetables.
2020
30,000 square foot expansion of distribution network in Florida
2021
Largest phase III compost operation in North America completed.
2021
Broke ground on master mushroom complex.
2021
Opening of Sacramento Distribution Center
South Mill Champs opens its seventh US distribution center in Sacramento, California. The Distribution Center spans more than 13,500 square feet and includes a new 10,000 square-foot food storage cooler and state-of-the-art food-processing line that meet the highest food safety standards.
2022
South Mill Champs Expands Atlanta Distribution Center.
