Edible Garden now distributing herbs to national retailer

Controlled environment agriculture producer Edible Garden has expanded distribution of its fresh potted herbs and cut herbs to national retailer The Kroger Co.

Kroger, headquartered in Cincinnati, has more than 2,700 states across 35 states.

“We are excited to offer our wide variety of fresh herbs, including private label, to a leading national grocery retailer like Kroger’s, which shares our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and delivering high-quality, fresh products,” Edible Garden CEO Jim Kras said in a news release. “This expands access to our locally grown herb product line, meeting the growing demand for clean-label, better-for-you and responsibly sourced produce.

“By combining our advanced growing methods with our proprietary, patented, self-watering display technology, we are helping retailers enhance freshness, extend shelf life and reduce environmental impact.”

Edible Garden operates greenhouses and processing facilities in Grand Rapids, Michigan and Belvidere, New Jersey. The company’s network of contract growers in the Northeast, Southeast, Midwest and West Coast provides locally grown, cut and packed fresh lettuce and organic herbs.

In July, the company purchased a 6.2-acre facility in Iowa to increase its production, distribution and research and development capabilities.

The company’s products are available in more than 5,000 retail locations across the U.S, Caribbean and South America, according to the release.

Basil spotlight

Edible Garden will showcase its USDA-certified hydroponic basil at the Global Produce & Floral Show, which begins Thursday at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California.

The show, organized by the International Fresh Produce Association, is expected to draw mor than 20,000 attendees and 1,100 exhibitors from 70-plus countries.

The basil reduces food waste and extends shelf life with its root-on, living format, according to the company.