John Miller
South Mill Champs, one of the largest growers of fresh mushrooms in North America, was founded in 1932 by Louie Pia, an Italian immigrant who began operating a small mushroom farm in southeastern Chester County, Pennsylvania. Pia's family continued to build the business, creating a national distribution network. In 2017, South Mill merged with Champ’s Mushrooms of British Columbia, and the company has since continued to expand through acquisitions and partnerships.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Founding owners | The Pia family |
| Current owner | Eos, a New York investment company |
| Headquarters | Kennett Square, PA |
| Industry | Mushroom growing, processing and distribution |
| Positioning | Leading vertically-integrated mushroom company in North America |
| Production capacity | Nearly 3% of U.S. mushroom production capacity |
| Production volume | Over 140 million pounds of mushrooms |
| Certifications | USDA Organic and CFIA Organic |
| Recent acquisitions | The Mushroom Company, Mountain View Mushrooms, Grupo APAL, Baird Produce, Loveday Mushroom Farms |
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What You'll Learn
South Mill Champs' founding owners
South Mill Champs, one of the largest growers of high-quality mushrooms in North America, has its roots in the early 1930s. The company's founding owners, the Pia family, started their mushroom business in 1932 when Louie Pia, an Italian immigrant, began operating a small mushroom farm in southeastern Chester County, Pennsylvania. Over the years, South Mill Champs has expanded its operations by acquiring new farms, constructing modern facilities, and establishing a nationwide distribution network.
Louie Pia's small mushroom farm in Pennsylvania served as the foundation for what would become South Mill Champs. Four generations later, the company has grown into a leading vertically integrated mushroom enterprise, with farms, processing facilities, and distribution centers across North America. The company's commitment to innovation and growth has been a driving force in its success.
In 2017, South Mill of Pennsylvania merged with Champ’s Mushrooms of British Columbia to form South Mill Champs. This merger was a pivotal moment in the company's history, combining the strengths of two established mushroom growers. South Mill Champs continued its expansion by acquiring other mushroom businesses, including Loveday Mushroom Farms in 2020 and The Mushroom Company in 2024.
The Pia family's legacy in the mushroom industry is notable. They built their business from a small farm into a thriving enterprise, and their descendants have continued to play a role in the company's leadership. Mike Pia Jr., the Vice President of Business Growth at South Mill Champs, is a testament to the family's ongoing involvement. The Pia family's expertise and dedication have contributed to South Mill Champs' position as a leading mushroom grower and supplier in North America.
South Mill Champs' expansion and growth have been strategic and well-planned. The company has invested in modern facilities, technology, and distribution networks to ensure the efficient production and delivery of high-quality mushrooms. Their commitment to innovation and sustainability has positioned them as a trusted provider of responsibly grown, delicious, and healthy mushroom products. The company's expansion plans, such as the $115 million complex in Elk Township, aim to increase production capacity and meet the growing demand for mushrooms in North America.
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The company's expansion plans
South Mill Champs, one of North America's largest growers, has been expanding its mushroom production through strategic acquisitions, alliances, and investments. In 2021, the company expanded its processing capabilities by acquiring The Mushroom Company, leveraging its distribution centres across North America to ensure quick and efficient delivery of fresh mushrooms.
South Mill Champs also formed a strategic alliance with Mountain View Mushrooms to meet growing demand in the Southwest. Additionally, they partnered with Grupo APAL to establish Royal Champs S.A. de C.V., a Mexican joint venture focusing on composting and mushroom growing operations. This expansion aimed to strengthen their supply chain across the United States and Canada, ensuring the freshest mushrooms are delivered daily.
The company has also invested in expanding its distribution capabilities by opening a new distribution centre in Lakeland, Florida, in 2020. South Mill Champs further solidified its position as a leading vertically integrated mushroom company with farms, processing facilities, and distribution centres across North America.
South Mill Champs has proposed a significant expansion plan, with a $115 million complex featuring nearly one million square feet of growing space on a 134-acre hay farm in Elk Township, near the Maryland border. This expansion is expected to add nearly 3% to U.S. mushroom production capacity, showcasing the company's commitment to growth and innovation in the mushroom industry.
South Mill Champs' expansion plans demonstrate their proactive approach to meeting consumer demands, ensuring efficient delivery, and solidifying their position as a leading mushroom supplier in North America.
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Its position as a leading mushroom grower
South Mill Champs, one of the largest high-quality mushroom growers in North America, has been in the business for over 90 years. The company was founded in 1932 by Louie Pia, an Italian immigrant who started a small mushroom farm in southeastern Chester County, Pennsylvania. Since then, South Mill Champs has expanded significantly, acquiring new farms, constructing modern facilities, and establishing a countrywide distribution network. The company is committed to innovation, sustainability, and providing its customers with a diverse range of options.
South Mill Champs is a vertically integrated compost producer, grower, and supplier of North American-grown fresh mushrooms and functional mushroom foods. They offer full-service logistics, cold and frozen storage, freezing and processing services, and an extensive portfolio of food products. The company's innovative growing processes include the use of upcycled inputs, ensuring their mushrooms are responsibly grown. South Mill Champs also prioritises sustainability and community engagement, participating in various local initiatives.
South Mill Champs has formed strategic alliances and joint ventures to expand its operations and meet growing demand. For example, they partnered with Mountain View Mushrooms and Grupo APAL to expand mushroom production in Mexico and the Southwest region. The company has also made acquisitions, such as The Mushroom Company, to increase its processing capabilities and distribution network. These strategic moves have solidified South Mill Champs' position as a leading mushroom grower and supplier in North America.
The company supplies over 140 million pounds of fresh, frozen, and minimally processed mushrooms throughout North America annually. Their products include individually quick-frozen (IQF), blanched, and fire-roasted mushrooms, catering to food service operators and industrial markets. South Mill Champs is dedicated to educating consumers about the functional and nutritional benefits of mushrooms, positioning them as a superfood. The company's commitment to quality and innovation has earned them superior ratings from top food safety auditing firms and certifications like USDA Organic and CFIA Organic.
South Mill Champs' expansion plans include a $115 million complex with nearly one million square feet of growing space, demonstrating their ambition to maintain their position as a leading mushroom grower. The company's use of technology, focus on sustainability, and adaptability to market demands have contributed to their success and reputation in the mushroom industry.
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Acquisitions and mergers
South Mill Champs, one of North America's largest mushroom growers, has a long history of acquisitions and mergers, dating back to its founding in 1932 by Louie Pia, an Italian immigrant who started a small mushroom farm in Pennsylvania. Over the years, South Mill Champs has expanded through various acquisitions and mergers to become a leading vertically integrated mushroom company.
In late 2017, South Mill of Pennsylvania merged with Champ’s Mushrooms of British Columbia to form South Mill Champs. This merger combined the strengths of both companies and expanded South Mill's operations across North America. Following this merger, Loveday Mushroom Farms, a high-quality, multigenerational composter, and mushroom grower based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, joined the South Mill Champs family in July 2020, further solidifying their presence in Canada.
South Mill Champs has continued to pursue strategic acquisitions to enhance its distribution network and production capabilities. They acquired Baird Produce, expanding their distribution network in Florida. Additionally, they formed a strategic alliance with Mountain View Mushrooms to meet the growing demand in the Southwest. This alliance allowed them to better serve customers in that region.
One of South Mill Champs' most significant acquisitions was the purchase of a controlling stake in the Pia family's South Mill mushroom houses by Eos, a New York investment company. This acquisition, made a few years ago, combined the operations in Kennett Square with those of Champs mushroom farms in British Columbia, Canada. The resulting entity, South Mill Champs, became a powerhouse in the mushroom industry, with advanced growing processes and a focus on sustainability and innovation.
Most recently, in May 2024, South Mill Champs acquired The Mushroom Company, based in Cambridge, MD. The Mushroom Company is one of North America's largest mushroom processors, known for its high-quality, innovative products, and superior customer service. This acquisition further solidified South Mill Champs' position as a leading vertically integrated compost producer and supplier of fresh mushrooms in North America. With a commitment to innovation and growth, South Mill Champs continues to shape the mushroom industry through strategic acquisitions and mergers.
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Community initiatives
South Mill Champs, one of the largest mushroom growers in North America, has a strong commitment to community initiatives and engagement. Here are some key areas where South Mill Champs contributes to community development and social responsibility:
Supporting Local Farmers and Sustainability:
South Mill Champs understands the importance of supporting local farmers and promoting sustainable practices. They work closely with American farmers, recognising their vital role in providing sustainable and abundant food choices. The company celebrates National Ag Day, honouring farmers' dedication to land stewardship and sustainable practices. South Mill Champs also emphasises the importance of agricultural literacy and innovation, supporting initiatives that promote these values.
Community Education and Health:
The company actively educates the community about the functional and nutritional benefits of mushrooms. They aim to increase awareness of mushrooms as a versatile, healthy, and eco-conscious food choice. By partnering with influencers and leveraging various marketing strategies, South Mill Champs encourages consumers to incorporate mushrooms into their daily routines. This includes targeting Gen Z and vegan consumers, highlighting mushrooms' alignment with their culinary curiosity and plant-based preferences.
Community Appreciation:
South Mill Champs expresses gratitude and appreciation to various community members. They acknowledge the hard work of dietitians and nutritionists, recognising their dedication to enhancing the well-being of communities. The company also values its customers and strives to provide them with superior mushroom products and unparalleled service.
Social Responsibility and Collaboration:
South Mill Champs is committed to social responsibility and collaboration within the industry. They maintain USDA Organic and CFIA Organic certifications, ensuring the responsible and sustainable growth of their mushrooms. The company also actively forms strategic alliances and partnerships, such as their joint venture with Grupo APAL, to expand their supply chain and deliver the freshest mushrooms across North America.
Community Well-being and Nutrition:
The company prioritises community well-being by promoting mushrooms as a superfood. They aim to increase fruit and vegetable consumption by showcasing mushrooms as a versatile and nutritious addition to meals. South Mill Champs is dedicated to providing consumers with innovative, delicious, and responsibly grown mushroom products, contributing to the health and well-being of communities across North America.
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Frequently asked questions
South Mill Mushrooms, or South Mill Champs, was founded by the Pia family in 1932. Louie Pia, an Italian immigrant, began the business by operating a small mushroom farm in southeastern Chester County, Pennsylvania. In 2017, South Mill merged with Champ’s Mushrooms of British Columbia to form South Mill Champs.
South Mill Champs was formed by Eos, a New York investment company that bought a controlling stake in the Pia family’s South Mill mushroom houses.
South Mill Champs is a leading vertically-integrated compost producer, grower, and supplier of North American-grown fresh mushrooms and functional mushroom foods. It is one of the largest mushroom growers in North America.
