What TAYLOR FARMS ILLINOIS, INC. does

Taylor Farms Illinois, Inc. is a regional entity within the Taylor Farms network, incorporated in Illinois and operating out of Chicago as one node in the parent's 13-facility production and distribution footprint spanning the United States and Mexico. The broader Taylor Farms parent — founded in 1995 by third-generation produce executive Bruce Taylor as Taylor Fresh Foods — produces fresh prepared foods including chopped salad kits, organic salad kits, stir fry kits, snack trays, sandwiches and wraps, behind-the-glass deli kits, and fresh-cut produce for retail grocery chains and foodservice operators. Taylor Farms pioneered the chopped salad kit category in 2012, growing it into a sub-segment valued at over $460 million in which the company holds more than a third share.

The company's product portfolio is supported by a proprietary technology stack that includes the USDA-validated SmartWash produce wash system (a wholly-owned subsidiary that won the first PMA Science & Technology Circle of Excellence Award), industry-first automated harvesters for romaine, cabbage, celery, and spinach, patented TaylorClear packaging delivering 14-day freshness, and a Soft Robotics adaptive gripper integration for handling delicate produce. Production scale is substantial at the parent level: roughly 20,000 employees, 1.5 million pounds of lettuce harvested daily, 13,000 pounds of celery per hour via automation, and 60-80 salads assembled per minute by robotic arms — roughly double manual output. Three California facilities have achieved TRUE Platinum Zero Waste Certification, with the Gonzales facility running at 90%+ energy independence via a combined wind, solar, and cogeneration system (6.5 MW solar installed across six facilities).

Commercially, Taylor Farms operates a sales-led B2B go-to-market, supplying major retail grocery chains under both private label and the Taylor Farms brand, and foodservice operators through custom cut produce and prepared food programs. Pricing is not publicly disclosed. The parent is privately held, with no parent company, public ticker, or external funding rounds disclosed; control sits with the Taylor family, with Bruce Taylor serving as Chairman and CEO. Strategic priorities evident in the data include category-creating product innovation, vertical integration via acquisition, AgTech ecosystem leadership through hosting the THRIVE Accelerator and Western Growers Innovation Center, and sustainability leadership (White House recognition in 2016).

Name

TAYLOR FARMS ILLINOIS, INC.

Legal name

Taylor Farms Illinois, Inc.

Website

https://taylorfarmsdeli.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Taylor Farms Illinois, Inc. is a regional operating entity within Taylor Farms, the North American fresh prepared foods producer, supplying chopped salad kits, prepared meals, and fresh-cut produce to retail grocery chains and foodservice operators from a 13-facility U.S. and Mexico production network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Fresh Prepared Foods

NAICS

Food Manufacturing (311)

SIC

Food And Kindred Products (2000), Canned, Frozen & Preservd Fruit, Veg & Food Specialties (2030)

akta.pro primary industry

Deli & prepared foods (retail/foodservice pack) manufacturing (AFAKAHAF)

Keywords

• Fresh produce processing
• Prepared deli foods
• Salad kits manufacturing
• Custom cut produce
• Fresh food distribution

Headquarters

HQ city

Salinas

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Fresh prepared deli products: Taylor Farms generates revenue through the sale of fresh prepared foods including salads, meals, sandwiches, snacks, and custom cut produce to retail grocery stores and foodservice operators.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Taylor Farms Illinois operates as a regional production and distribution facility manufacturing fresh prepared deli foods for retail grocery chains and foodservice operators. Its portfolio spans Grab and Go Salads, Freshly Prepared Meals, Snacks, Sandwiches & Wraps, Behind the Glass Kits, Foodservice Products, Chopped Salad Kits, Organic Chopped Salad Kits, Chef Crafted Salad Blends, Stir Fry Kits, Snack Trays, Fresh-Cut Vegetables, and Veggie Noodles, supported by proprietary food-safety, automated harvesting, and patented packaging technologies.

Product overview

Taylor Farms Illinois, Inc. operates as a regional production facility within the Taylor Farms network, one of North America's largest fresh food companies. The company offers a diversified portfolio of fresh prepared foods organized around six core product categories: Grab and Go Salads, Freshly Prepared Meals, Snacks, Sandwiches & Wraps, Behind the Glass Kits, and Foodservice Products. Key branded products include Chopped Salad Kits (launched 2012, generating a $460M+ sub-segment), Organic Chopped Salad Kits (2016), Chef Crafted Salad Blends (2016), Stir Fry Kits (2016, expanded 2017), Snack Trays, and Fresh-Cut Vegetables. The products are distributed through retail grocery stores and foodservice operators. Taylor Farms operates 13 facilities across the US and Mexico, providing fresh daily delivery with dedicated culinary and R&D teams at each location.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Chopped Salad Kits: Pre-packaged salad kits with fresh produce, custom-made dressings, and toppings including varieties like Asian, Southwestern, BBQ Ranch, Greek, Italian, and Farmhouse Bacon.
• Organic Chopped Salad Kits
• Stir Fry Kits
• Chef Crafted Salad Blends
• Snack Trays

Products and services

• Grab and Go Salads Pre-packaged salad products designed for immediate consumption without preparation, featuring fresh vegetables and accompaniments ready for on-the-go consumption; sold to retail grocery and foodservice customers.
• Freshly Prepared Meals Fully prepared meal solutions featuring chef-crafted recipes for retail deli counters, offering ready-to-eat hot and cold meal options.
• Snacks Snack products including fruit and cheese trays, vegetable trays, and protein-focused snack options for retail and foodservice customers.
• Sandwiches & Wraps Hand-held prepared foods including artisan flatbreads, classic hoagies, and wraps with gourmet flavors, made fresh for retail deli.
• Behind the Glass Kits Store-level assembly kits containing fresh ingredients, packaging, labeling, and instructions for in-store deli preparation of salads and pasta dishes.
• Foodservice Products Custom cut produce and fresh-cut vegetables and fruit for foodservice operators including restaurants, caterers, and institutional food service.
• Chopped Salad Kits Pre-packaged complete salad kits with pre-washed produce, toppings, and dressing, designed for convenient preparation in minutes. Includes varieties such as Asian, Southwest, BBQ Ranch, Greek, Italian, and Farmhouse Bacon.
• Organic Chopped Salad Kits Organic certified chopped salad kits featuring organic vegetables, toppings, and dressings. Includes Organic Toasted Sesame, Organic Sriracha Ranch, and Organic Asian Ginger varieties.
• Chef Crafted Salad Blends Premium salad blends featuring distinctive combinations of greens, herbs, vegetables, and fruit in TaylorClear packaging that extends freshness to 14 days. Six varieties include Kale and Beet, Snappy Spinach, Summer Love, Apples and Greens, Greens and Sunshine, and Southwestern Crunch.
• Stir Fry Kits Convenient stir fry meal kits featuring pre-cut vegetables and sauce, cooking in five minutes. Available in Teriyaki, Ginger Garlic, Sesame Chili, Orange, Pad Thai, and Coconut Curry varieties.
• Snack Trays Pre-portioned snack trays featuring fresh vegetables and accompaniments. Varieties include Healthy Harvest, Little Dipper, Lovin' Veggies, Protein Punch, Pure Veggies (organic), Better Cheddar, and Bursting with Goodness.
• Fresh-Cut Vegetables Custom cut produce capabilities for foodservice applications including salad bar offerings, sandwich toppings, and hot food components featuring regionally grown fresh-cut vegetables and fruit.
• Veggie Noodles Pre-spiralized vegetable noodles including Zucchini Noodles and Yellow Squash Noodles for foodservice customers seeking carb-alternative menu options.

Quantifiable outcome

• 13,000 pounds of celery harvested per hour with automated harvester (vs 20 workers previously)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• SmartWash SolutionscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017SmartWash Solutions is a subsidiary of Taylor Farms offering a comprehensive food safety system focusing on science, technology, and engineering to prevent waterborne cross contamination. The technology was awarded the first-ever PMA Science & Technology Circle of Excellence Award.
• Soft RoboticscoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2016Taylor Farms is both a customer and investor in Soft Robotics, a manufacturer of soft-actuating adaptive gripper technology in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The partnership provides automated gripping technology to help with sorting and packing of delicate fruits and vegetables at Taylor Farms' Salinas plant, with full production expected within four to five years.
• THRIVE AcceleratorcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016Taylor Farms hosts Seed Day at their Corporate headquarters in Salinas, California. Through the THRIVE Accelerator, select companies gain access to expertise and resources of top agriculture and tech leaders. Participating startups have potential opportunity to receive up to $5 million in funding. Companies reside in the Western Growers Innovation Center in the Taylor Building.
• Center for Produce Safety at UC DaviscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2008Taylor Farms pledged $2 million to help launch the Center for Produce Safety (CPS) at UC Davis. To date, Taylor Farms has contributed $2.25 million to CPS. The center has awarded $16.4 million and funded 100 research projects at 30 universities and organizations. The first major project funded was the USDA validation of the SmartWash produce wash system.
• Western Growers Innovation CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Western Growers Innovation Center is housed in the Taylor Building in Salinas, where THRIVE Accelerator startups reside to continue their growth and development.
• Golden State FoodsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIn 2019, Taylor Farms partnered with Golden State Foods for the seventh consecutive year to distribute backpacks filled with school supplies throughout the community.
• The First Tee of Monterey CountyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIn 2017, Taylor Farms partnered with The First Tee of Monterey County to open the Taylor Farms Center for Learning, a 5,000-sq.ft. building outfitted with smart technology to support Salinas-based youth in their academic development.
• Silicon Valley Global GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTaylor Farms is working with John Hartnett and the Silicon Valley Global Group to advance Ag Tech in the fresh produce industry through the THRIVE Accelerator program.
• Grower Shipper Association of Central CaliforniaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTaylor Farms participates in job and internship fairs hosted by the Grower Shipper Association of Central California to connect with college students interested in the local agriculture industry.
• Produce Marketing Association Career Pathways ProgramminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTaylor Farms supports the PMA Career Pathways Program, now in its tenth year, which encourages college students to seek careers in the fresh produce and floral industries. Taylor Farms has contributed over $150,000 to help fund the program.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Emerging players

• Organic Girl: Organic Girl is a smaller, organic-focused packaged-salad and fresh-cut produce brand sold through natural and conventional grocery. It overlaps with Taylor Farms' organic chopped kits and chef-crafted lines in the same retail aisles, particularly at Whole Foods and other natural channels.
• Crunch Pak: Crunch Pak is the leading U.S. producer of pre-sliced apples and fresh fruit snack packs. It overlaps with Taylor Farms' Snack Trays and fresh-cut fruit product lines in the same retail produce aisle and competes for similar grab-and-go occasions.

Direct peers

• Bonduel (formerly Ready Pac Foods): Bonduel/Ready Pac is a major U.S. producer of fresh-cut fruits, vegetables, salads, and prepared meals for retail and foodservice. It competes head-to-head with Taylor Farms on chopped salads, snack trays, and fresh-cut produce, with comparable B2B distribution.
• Fresh Express (Dole plc): Fresh Express, owned by Dole plc, is the largest U.S. packaged-salad and fresh-cut produce competitor. It sells chopped salad kits, bagged salads, and fresh-cut vegetables to the same retail and foodservice customers as Taylor Farms, with overlapping SKUs and directly comparable go-to-market.
• Mann Packing: Mann Packing (now part of Bonduel) is a U.S. fresh vegetable producer specializing in broccoli, cauliflower, packaged salads, and vegetable snacking trays. It overlaps with Taylor Farms' fresh-cut vegetable, stir fry, and snack-tray categories across retail and foodservice customers.
• Earthbound Farm (Danone): Earthbound Farm, owned by Danone, is a leading U.S. organic salad and fresh produce brand. It competes directly with Taylor Farms' Organic Chopped Salad Kits and other organic SKUs in the same grocery channels and benefits from a similar organic consumer positioning.

Broad incumbents

• Bolthouse Farms: Bolthouse Farms, owned by Campbell Soup, produces fresh carrots, refrigerated dressings, smoothies, and premium refrigerated beverages. It overlaps with Taylor Farms in the fresh produce and refrigerated perimeter of retail grocery and competes for similar health-conscious consumers.
• Dole Food Company: Dole is a diversified global fresh-produce incumbent spanning bananas, pineapples, berries, packaged salads (via Fresh Express), and juices. Its Fresh Express division directly overlaps Taylor Farms' core chopped-salad and fresh-cut business, while Dole's broader portfolio gives it wider retailer leverage.

Regional players

• Grimmway Farms: Grimmway Farms is a large vertically integrated California fresh-produce grower, primarily carrots and organic produce. While not a head-to-head packaged-salad competitor, it is a meaningful fresh-produce peer with overlapping grower relationships, foodservice fresh-cut capabilities, and California supply chain footprint.

Others

• Litehouse Foods: Litehouse is a major producer of refrigerated dressings, sauces, and dips sold alongside bagged salads and fresh produce in the deli perimeter. While not a direct competitor to Taylor Farms' core products, it is an adjacent ecosystem partner often co-merchandised with Taylor Farms' chopped salads and Behind the Glass kits.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/YourTaylorFarms
• Facebookfacebook.com/TaylorFarms
• Instagraminstagram.com/yourtaylorfarms
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/taylor-farms-illinois-inc.

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about TAYLOR FARMS ILLINOIS, INC.