Alpine Greens, Van Der Hoeven investing $200M to expand greenhouse vegetable production in Mexico

Photo: State Government of Nuevo León, MexicoAIM | 22 May 2026

By Lynda Kiernan-Stone

Dutch companies Alpine Greens and Van Der Hoeven Horticultural Projects are investing US$200 million to develop one of the most sophisticated greenhouse operations in North America, located in Galeana, Nuevo León, Mexico, according to an announcement made by the state Governor Samuel Alejandro García Sepúlveda.

Alpine Greens is already an established grower in the region with greenhouses in the highlands of Nuevo León at 6,560 feet above sea level, and less than 100 miles from the Texas border. 

Beginning as traditional agricultural production, the company explained that its high elevation is ideal for cultivating nutrient-rich leafy greens while also enabling today’s modern greenhouses to easily employ solar power.

The company’s fresh greens are harvested, packed, and shipped in a matter of hours, arriving at their destination within one day, significantly reducing transportation timelines and food miles to offer supremely fresh produce to U.S. clients. 

Likewise, Hydroponic Green Valley Produce, a sister operation that shares infrastructure, expertise, and operational culture, is located just 10 minutes away.

Alpine Greens’ partner, Van Der Hoeven Horticultural Projects, has been in business since 1953 tailoring bespoke greenhouse solutions that are highly efficient, generate superior returns on project investment, and respect natural resources. 

“We design, build, and operate tailor-made horticultural solutions that meet the highest quality standards while significantly reducing environmental impact,” states Van Der Hoeven. 

“As the global population grows and the effects of climate change become more evident, the need for innovative and sustainable solutions has never been greater. That’s why we are committed to delivering exceptional value to our customers while making a positive impact on the planet.”

This new project, which will be kicked off with an initial investment of US$70 million, is unprecedented for the state of Nuevo León, and will position the region as an example of agricultural innovation and sustainability. 

Once completed, the greenhouses will generate more than 300 direct jobs and will use more than 2,000 lights from the company Signify, which is preparing its expansion plans for the scheme using the same LED lights that grow grass in professional soccer stadiums to grow vegetables and produce. 

“This investment is doubly important because, firstly, it involves agro-industry, and secondly, it will be going to Galeana, Nuevo León, for technology parks,” said García. “These companies have the best technology, the best LED lighting, and a whole series of advantages to have the freshest, pesticide-free lettuce.”

Mexico has experienced a rapid evolution with the rise of controlled environment agriculture (CSA), or protection agriculture (PA), including shade houses, field tunnels, and greenhouses, turning the country into a leading year-round provider of fruits and vegetables to North American markets. 

Driven by sheer demand, government support, and technological advances, the industry has boomed over the past two decades, growing from 1,853 acres in 1999 to 23,107 acres being managed by the Mexican Association of Protected Horticulture (AMHPAC). 

Ninety-six percent of this acreage produces fruits and vegetables for export, with tomatoes accounting for 66 percent, peppers 18 percent, and cucumbers 15 percent, followed by berries, leafy greens, herbs, and avocados.

And as the industry continues to mature, demand continues to increase, and sustainability pressures continue to intensify, protected agriculture Mexico is well positioned to garner ever greater market share.

As Rabobank stated in their report Trends in Mexico’s Greenhouse Vegetable Industry published in 2023, “Vertically integrated fresh produce multinationals, greenhouse-specific input suppliers, and post-harvest technology and solutions providers can count on sustained growth in greenhouse vine vegetable production south of the U.S. border for years to come.”