Aug 1, 2018
Sun Belle opens new Miami Distribution Center

Sun Belle, a marketer and shipper of berries, has opened an 82,000 square foot state of the art refrigerated distribution facility in Miami.

Adjoining Miami International Airport, the facility is also 15 minutes from the port of Miami and close to the Palmetto Expressway, Florida Turnpike and I-95.

Sun Belle is using the facility for the fresh berries and other produce the company markets and distributes for its growers. The building will also be used third party handling of perishables on behalf of other importers and distributors.

The facility features a total of nine docks, including seven refrigerated docks, four pre-coolers, seven independent coolers, two large refrigerated work rooms, an ample refrigerated dock and dry storage.

Photos: Sun Belle

Sun Belle, which has had a presence in Miami for more than 16 years, bought the new facility in early 2017 and built it out to its own specifications so there would be enough room for its own growing berry business as well as to provide handling services for others.

Sun Belle built out the facility with an eye for maintaining the cold chain. Perishables can be loaded and unloaded, handled and stored without breaking temperature, Honigberg said.

“In addition, we have an experienced team of re-graders and sorters who can ensure perishables make arrivals at their ultimate destination,” she added. Sun Belle Miami operates seven days a week and around the clock.

The new facility is Primus Global Food Safety (GFS), Organic and Demeter Biodynamic certified. Sun Belle is exploring the efficacy of installing automated blueberry sorting equipment in order to pack bulk berries.

The Sun Belle facility in Miami is directed by Mariella Marrero, who has been Sun Belle Miami’s General Manager since 2006.

“Her challenge was to implement a build-out that was almost five times the size of the distribution center she also helped create in 2006 for Sun Belle, Honigberg said.

Sun Belle Inc. was established in Washington, DC in 1986. In addition to the Miami facility, Sun Belle operates a 63,000 square foot facility in Jessup,  Maryland; a 52,000 square foot facility in Schiller Park, Illinois; and 14,000 square feet of dedicated space within a 50,000 square foot facility in Oxnard, California.

The company markets conventional and organic berries, including blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, golden berries, cranberries and red currants under the Sun Belle and Green Belle brands.




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