Feb 9, 2023
Credit: The Produce News
Editor’s Note: In light of multiple CEA closures and bankruptcy filings, this is a huge indication of future potential for the industry! This article offers a great read of Kroger, which may influence other retailers to follow or be left behind.
CONTENT SOURCED FROM THE PRODUCE NEWS
February 9, 2023
The Kroger Co. and Gotham Greens are bringing greenhouse-grown produce and fresh, plant-based foods to more customers across the country. Kroger customers can find Gotham Greens' produce in more than 300 stores today, with plans to expand to nearly 1,000 stores by the end of 2023. In addition to produce, the expansion of Gotham Greens' plant-based dips, cooking sauces and dressings will put the supplier in nearly 2,000 Kroger locations across the country.
"We're proud to expand our collaboration with Gotham Greens as we work together to bring fresh, local, high-quality and longer-lasting produce to our customers in an environmentally sustainable way," said Dan De La Rosa, Kroger's group vice president of fresh merchandising. "Gotham Greens' state-of-the-art, climate-controlled greenhouses reduce the number of days the products spend between harvest and our store shelves, while removing unpredictable weather challenges and improving product quality and shelf life. These factors ultimately reduce food waste, both in stores and in consumers' homes."
Kroger is focused on reducing climate impact by reducing food waste and is committed to achieving zero food waste to landfill company-wide by 2025. Since 2017, the company has embedded retail best practices to extend freshness and reduce waste in its operations, and Gotham Greens' planet-forward agricultural production methods support the grocer's mission to create a sustainable food system.
Gotham Greens' farming practices allow the brand to grow, harvest and deliver non-GMO, pesticide-free salad greens and herbs 365 days of the year. By using hydroponic growing systems in sunlight-powered greenhouses, Gotham Greens' farms use up to 95 percent less water and 97 percent less land compared to field-grown farming.
"Kroger and Gotham Greens share a commitment to building a more resilient and equitable food system, putting people and our planet at the forefront of everything we do," said Viraj Puri, co-founder and CEO of Gotham Greens. "With increasing climate and supply chain related issues facing our food system, it's more important than ever to bring innovative farming solutions that grow high-quality produce while using fewer precious natural resources. Gotham Greens is growing fast, and we look forward to bringing our brand to new markets in the coming months."
By summer 2023, Gotham Greens will own and operate 13 greenhouses, totaling more than 40 acres (1.8 million square feet) across nine states: California, Colorado, Illinois, Texas, Georgia, Maryland, Virginia, New York and Rhode Island.