Belvidere-based hydroponic farming company Edible Garden received a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture that will help lower the costs of supporting its organic certification.
The funds are part of a larger suite of offerings by the USDA designed to strengthen the market for domestically grown organic goods by supporting existing organic farmers and those transitioning to organic production and processing.
In an Oct. 23 press release announcing the award, Edible Garden Chief Executive Officer Jim Kras said, “The grant provides reimbursement for a number of the costs associated with our organic crop certification, and related costs at our Belvidere, New Jersey facility. Being at the forefront of controlled environment agriculture and committed to local, organic, and sustainable produce, organic certification is a key advantage for the Company.”
A representative from Edible Garden did not immediately respond to an inquiry regarding how much in funding the company will receive from the USDA.
Founded in 2015, the company’s locally grown lettuce, organic herbs, hydro basil, salad kits, sauces and protein powders can be found at more than 4,000 stores, including ShopRite, Walmart, Gristedes, D’Agostino, Weis Markets, Meijer, King Kullen, Whole Foods Market and Morton Williams.
Kras went on to note that the grant builds on several existing collaborations with the federal agency, including a research partnership with the USDA, New Jersey Institute of Technology and Environmental Protection Agency to study the use of nanobubble technology in a controlled environment agriculture (CEA) environment.
“The Company’s Zero-Waste Inspired mission aligns seamlessly with the USDA’s objectives, and we are eagerly anticipating more opportunities to collaborate and contribute to the world of sustainable agriculture through future projects,” he added.
Edible Garden’s recently acquired line of Pulp sustainable gourmet sauces and chili-based products will soon be available at upscale New York City grocery chain Morton Williams Supermarket.
In a Sept. 14 press release, the Belvidere-based hydroponic farming company announced an expansion of its distribution with the supermarket – which is a member of Iselin-headquartered co-cop Allegiance Retail Services LLC – to sell Pulp in its 16 stores across Manhattan.
Founded in 2015, the company’s locally grown lettuce, organic herbs, hydro basil, salad kits and protein powders can be found at more than 4,000 stores, including ShopRite, Gristedes, D’Agostino, Weis Markets, Meijer, King Kullen and Morton Williams.
In commenting on its expanded relationship with Morton Williams, Edible Garden Chief Executive Officer Jim Kras said the chain is “the ideal retail partner” to work with on Pulp’s “first foray into the sizable and trend-setting New York City market.”
“The customers they serve have a strong affinity for tasty, sustainable and organic fermented products, as conveyed in the Pulp tagline: ‘Bland to Bold.’ Moreover, we believe this is an opportunity for us to gain first-mover advantage in an entirely new product category,” he stated.
“Our strategy is to rapidly and cost-effectively scale the business by leveraging our established retail relationships and introducing high margin products with longer shelf life. In turn, we believe we will be able to maximize efficiency and minimize our carbon footprint by utilizing existing distribution channels and truck routes,” Kras added.
Belvidere-based Edible Garden is growing its retail partnership with Walmart.
In a July 20 press release, the hydroponic farming company announced an expanded distribution agreement with the big box retailer that will bring a wider variety of its products to Walmart stores across the Northeast, as well as see it enter new retail locations in other regions of the country.
Founded in 2015, the company’s locally grown, sustainable lettuce, organic herbs, hydro basil, salad kits and protein powders can be found at more than 4,000 stores, including ShopRite, Gristedes, D’Agostino, Weis Markets, Meijer and King Kullen.
Edible Garden Chief Executive Officer Jim Kras said the company is pleased to grow its relationship with Walmart, noting that the company is “the world’s largest fresh produce retailer” and “has long been one of our most significant customers.”
Edible Garden’s Garden Starters can be planted in a consumer’s home garden. – EDIBLE GARDEN
He continued, “Edible Garden has consistently achieved order fulfillment rates across all of our retailers and distribution partners that exceed industry averages, and in particular, we believe that achieving a fill rate in excess of 100% during the 2022 holiday season further strengthened our existing relationship with Walmart. We believe achieving this level of performance, despite the unprecedented supply chain challenges facing the industry, demonstrates the high levels of service and execution that Edible Garden is able to provide to its customers.”
“By continuing to exceed our partners’ expectations, we believe retailers such as Walmart have gained confidence in Edible Garden as a trusted, dependable supplier of sustainably grown produce and may look to identify opportunities to further enhance their distribution relationships with the Company. We believe this enhanced distribution relationship with Walmart will have a positive effect on our revenue in 2023 and beyond, bringing us closer to our goal of becoming cash flow positive on a quarterly basis later in the year,” Kras stated.
The CEO also pointed out that Edible Garden’s association with Walmart goes beyond supplying produce, and that it participates in the company’s Project Gigaton, which is an aimed at engaging suppliers, NGOs and other stakeholders in reducing or avoiding 1 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases in the global value chain by 2030.
Hydroponic farming company Edible Garden is launching a line of potted herbs and basil bowls that can be planted in a consumer’s home garden.
After introducing its new Garden Starters products at Meijer retail location across the Midwest earlier this month, the Belvidere-based company announced plans to broaden distribution to include all Wakefern Food Corp.’s ShopRite stores in the Northeast.
Edible Garden’s Garden Starters can be planted in a consumer’s home garden. – EDIBLE GARDEN
In a May 17 press release, Edible Garden’s chief executive officer Jim Kras said the “strategically timed initiative” aims to capitalize on peak spring planting season.
“Considering that 35% of American households grow a portion of their own food, Edible Garden’s sustainably produced, herbs, and produce, have become popular choices amongst consumers that are looking to make their food taste better,” Kras said.
Founded in 2015, the company’s lettuce, organic herbs, hydro basil, salad kits and protein powders can be found at more than 4,000 stores, including ShopRite, Weis Markets, Meijer, King Kullen, Gristedes and D’Agostino.
“Garden Starters presents an opportunity for consumers to purchase Edible Garden potted herbs for their home gardens. By making the potted herbs available alongside our cut herbs and sustainably grown produce in the same supermarket section, we provide the utmost convenience for customers,” said Kras, adding, “We believe this is an incremental sales opportunity for our retail partners and an opportunity for Edible Garden to further increase revenue.”
Belvidere-based Edible Garden is moving closer to officially opening its new, 5-acre greenhouse in Grand Rapids, Mich.
In a March 29 press release, the company said it completed the phase two buildout of Edible Garden Heartland and received all necessary certifications for the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) facility.
Jim Kras, Edible Garden chief executive officer, said the site was awarded its U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Organic Certification, as well as the Indoor Agriculture Certificate and Harvest Crew Certificate.
Edible Garden also received a Packinghouse/HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) Certificate through PrimusGFS, which runs an audit certification program that is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) for its expertise in ensuring food safety in the fresh produce industry.
“These certifications were obtained with high scores, further validating Edible Garden’s Zero-Waste Inspired mission to deliver fresh produce that is sustainably grown to its customers,” said Kras, who has said the site could support up to $20 million in annualized revenue.
Edible Garden Heartland was awarded its U.S. Department of Agriculture Organic Certification, among others. – CRESCENDO COMMUNICATIONS –
“When the Edible Garden Heartland facility launches, we expect to be able to fulfill the demands of our largest Midwest client, Meijer, and other significant big-box retailers in the region who are eager to strengthen their ties with the company,” the CEO said. “Furthermore, we aim to expand our distribution network in the Midwest by engaging new distribution partners that we were previously unable to serve.”
According to Kras, the state-of-the-art facility will include technologies such as a cloud-based greenhouse management and demand planning system.
Mike Sudbury, the site’s general manager, said, “We have a dedicated team in Grand Rapids who worked tirelessly to get us up and running quickly after purchasing the facility in August. We can’t wait to officially launch and share our passion with the community in the near future.”
A spokesperson for Edible Garden said an official launch date has not been set for Heartland.
Founded in 2015, the company’s locally grown, sustainable lettuce, organic herbs, hydro basil, salad kits and protein powders can be found at more than 4,000 stores, including ShopRite, Weis Markets, Meijer, King Kullen, Gristedes and D’Agostino.
Belvidere-based Edible Garden’s new line of Pulp sustainable gourmet sauces and chili-based products will soon be available at Whole Foods Market.
In a March 8 press release, the hydroponic farming company announced that Whole Foods stores in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast will carry Pulp products starting this summer.
Founded in 2015, the company’s locally grown, sustainable lettuce, organic herbs, hydro basil, salad kits and protein powders can be found at more than 4,000 stores, including ShopRite, Gristedes, D’Agostino, Weis Markets, Meijer and King Kullen.
Edible Garden AG Inc. announced Nov. 15 that it acquired the assets of Pulp, including its lines of sustainable gourmet sauces and chili-based products. – PULP
Edible Garden Chief Executive Officer Jim Kras said that expanding into a new product category is “a significant milestone” and moves the company into “what we believe will be higher-margin products with longer shelf life.
“In addition, it will provide the brand with added visibility as the product will be located in the refrigerated section, which is adjacent to our products carried in the produce section,” he said. “The addition of Whole Foods Market as a retail distribution partner represents a further expansion of an already robust distribution network across the country.”
After purchasing Pulp in November 2022 for an undisclosed sum, Kras said the company saw it as a “significant opportunity … to take a unique brand in a trending category and bring it to a mass market of consumers within Edible Garden’s growing network of major retail supermarkets and distributors.”
Hydroponic farming company Edible Garden is teaming up with the New Jersey Institute of Technology, the United States Department of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency to study the use of nanobubble technology in a controlled environment agriculture (CEA) environment.
In a Feb. 9 press release, the Belvidere-based company said the EPA-funded research partnership will look at how nanobubbles, which are tiny bubbles of gas believed to improve plant growth and crop yields in soil-based and hydroponic systems, impact food safety of fresh produce and processing procedures.
Edible Garden did not say how long the partnership will last.
Edible Garden said the EPA-funded research partnership will look at how nanobubbles, which are tiny bubbles of gas believed to improve plant growth and crop yields in soil-based and hydroponic systems, impact food safety of fresh produce and processing procedures. – EDIBLE GARDENS
Edible Garden Chief Executive Officer Jim Kras said, “The research will aim to validate the potential benefits of nanobubbles for indoor agriculture and explore their impact on plant health, water usage, nutrient utilization, and energy efficiency. We believe that this research is well-aligned with our Zero-Waste Inspired philosophy. Nanobubble technology has the potential to revolutionize plant nutrition, providing more nutritious plants with longer shelf lives, which could greatly benefit Edible Garden’s products.”
Founded in 2015, Edible Garden is known for its line of sustainably grown leafy greens. The company’s lettuce, organic herbs, hydro basil, salad kits and protein powders are available at more than 4,000 stores, including ShopRite, Weis Markets, Meijer and King Kullen.
Wen Zhang, an NJIT professor and a state-licensed professional engineer in environmental engineering commented, “Edible Garden’s partnership in this research project is greatly appreciated. Their support, including providing space at their Belvidere, New Jersey, greenhouse facility, to conduct the field verification research, will be instrumental in furthering the commercialization of nanobubble technology and the development of smart and precision agriculture.”
Zhang added, “We look forward to working with them to gain a deeper understanding of the effects of nanobubble technology on plant growth.”
Patricia Millner, a USDA research microbiologist, said, “The significance of this research cannot be overstated as it will shed light on the impact of nanobubble technology on plant growth. The results of the study are expected to provide concrete proof of the technology’s practical applications. Edible Garden’s involvement in the partnership is ideal, as their commitment to eco-friendly agriculture aligns well with the USDA’s goals.”
Belvidere-based Edible Garden’s line of sustainably grown leafy greens will soon be available at Morton Williams Supermarkets, an upscale grocery chain in New York City.
In a Jan. 24 press release, the hydroponic farming company announced an expansion of its distribution with the supermarket – which is a member of Iselin-based supermarket co-cop Allegiance Retail Services LLC – to sell Edible Garden produce and products in its 16 stores across Manhattan.
Founded in 2015, the company’s locally grown, sustainable lettuce, organic herbs, hydro basil, salad kits and protein powders can be found at more than 4,000 stores, including ShopRite, Weis Markets, Meijer and King Kullen.
Edible Garden’s self-water display brings sustainable solutions to the shopping experience. – EDIBLE GARDEN
Located primarily in upscale neighborhoods, Morton Williams focuses on high-quality, fresh and diverse produce offerings at a competitive price point. It is also one of the newest members of Allegiance’s co-op, having joined in November 2022.
Edible Garden Chief Executive Officer Jim Kras said the company is pleased to add Morton Williams to its regional distribution network.
“The New York Metropolitan area is one that Edible Garden knows well, as we have developed strong relationships with many of the leading retailers operating in the region. We will be offering Morton Williams our entire product line of herbs and locally grown lettuce. Moreover, we will leverage our extensive knowledge of the region and work closely with them to identify the optimal product mix for each of their retail locations,” Kras stated.
Marc Goldman, produce director at Morton Williams, said they are excited to add Edible Garden brand product.
He added, “We believe Edible Garden’s mission of bringing fresh, safe, organic, and sustainably grown food to urban and other communities is closely aligned with our own, and we look forward to a long and successful relationship with them.”
Last month, Edible Gardens grew its distribution agreements with two other New York City supermarkets within the Allegiance family — Gristedes and D’Agostino.
In a Dec. 15 press release, the hydroponic farming company said it completed the phase one buildout of Edible Garden Heartland ahead of schedule and has begun the process of seeking certification from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) facility.
Jim Kras, Edible Garden chief executive officer, said the company anticipates receiving federal approval sometime next month.
“In addition, we are completing the installation of our cooling and cold storage systems in the facility, as we prepare to ramp up our production in the coming months. In phase two of the buildout, which is expected to commence in January 2023, the company will be installing a state-of-the-art seeding machine and deploying our hybrid vertical grow system within the facility,” Kras explained.
“These additions are designed to increase the facility’s production capabilities, as well as expand Edible Garden’s gross profit margins,” said Kras, who has said the site could support up to $20 million in annualized revenue.
Kras said Edible Garden has also tapped into a new, additional revenue stream in Michigan.
“When we purchased the facility, there was an existing, legacy floral business that came with it. We recently commenced shipping the poinsettias grown at Edible Garden Heartland in time for the holiday season,” he said.
Founded in 2015, the company’s locally grown, sustainable lettuce, organic herbs, hydro basil, salad kits and protein powders can be found at more than 4,000 stores, including ShopRite, Weis Markets, Meijer, King Kullen, Gristedes and D’Agostino.
Belvidere-based Edible Garden’s line of sustainably grown leafy greens will soon be available at even more supermarkets across the Tri-State area.
In a Dec. 6 press release, the hydroponic farming company announced an expansion of its distribution with Gristedes and D’Agostino – both of which are members of Iselin-based supermarket co-op Allegiance Retail Services LLC – to sell Edible Garden products in 29 of their combined locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Westchester County.
Founded in 2015, the company’s locally grown, sustainable lettuce, organic herbs, hydro basil, salad kits and protein powders can be found at more than 4,000 stores, including ShopRite, Weis Markets, Meijer and King Kullen.
Edible Garden’s flagship facility in Belvidere. – EDIBLE GARDEN
In addition to expanding its distribution network, the company plans to collaborate with Gristedes and D’Agostino on the display and strategic placement of its products. Edible Garden will also work with the stores’ buying teams to determine the best mix of products for each retail location.
Rick Rodriguez, Gristedes’ produce director, said, “We have a longstanding relationship with Edible Garden and look forward to enhancing our partnership by adding their products into our retail locations. They have been a solid partner over the years, and we believe their ‘Zero-Waste Inspired’ approach aligns with the importance we place on sustainability. By adding branded displays for their products in our retail locations, Edible Garden is helping to enhance the consumer experience. Edible Garden has proven to be a dependable and forward-thinking supplier and we look forward to building on this relationship into the future.”
Edible Garden Chief Executive Officer Jim Kras echoed the sentiment, saying the company is proud to expand the relationship with iconic chains such as Gristedes and D’Agostino.
“Their retail locations are ideally located in densely populated, urban areas that receive high volumes of foot traffic, in the New York City metropolitan area. In addition to expanding our retail footprint, our goal continues to be to deepen our penetration and significantly expand our product placement within their locations,” Kras said.
“Gristedes and D’Agostino know how important quality produce is to the neighborhoods it serves and is fully committed to providing the freshest, most extraordinary mix of produce at attractive prices. Their commitment resonates well with our’ Zero-Waste Inspired’ approach of producing healthier, locally grown, and sustainably produced products that consumers demand,” he commented. “Moreover, reducing consumer waste and improving product shelf life, reduces shrinkage for the store owner—making this approach a win-win for all parties.”
Edible Garden AG Inc. announced Nov. 15 that it acquired the assets of Pulp, including its lines of sustainable gourmet sauces and chili-based products. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Pulp’s products, which are all-natural, non-GMO and preservative-free, include Hungarian Wax Hot Sauce, Poblano Serrano Jalapeno Hot Sauce, Fresno Chili Hot Sauce, Habanero Carrot Hot Sauce, as well as Salsa Macha, Chili Crisp, and Chili Oil.
Pulp was launched by Nicholas Gregory, a farmer and chef from Kansas who wanted to create sauces that had a minimal number of ingredients.
Pulp’s products are all-natural, non-GMO and preservative-free. – PULP
In a statement, Edible Garden CEO Jim Kras said about the move, “We believe this is a significant opportunity for the Company to take a unique brand in a trending category and bring it to a mass market of consumers within Edible Garden’s growing network of major retail supermarkets and distributors across the country.”
Kras noted the sauces are found in supermarket refrigerated sections, “typically adjacent to the produce section,” which will allow Edible Garden to leverage its brand recognition with a new product category.
“We believe there is significant potential for these on-trend products based on consumer demand for flavorful and well-packaged products that are all-natural, preservative-free, sustainably produced and fresher than traditional sauces,” Kras continued.
Edible Garden – a Belvidere-headquartered leader in locally grown organic leafy greens and herbs backed by Zero-Waste Inspired next-generation farming – said the acquisition aligns with its “greenhouse-to-grocer approach.”
Kras added that Edible Garden aims to grow its own ingredients, including peppers, for Pulp products in its facilities located in New Jersey and Grand Rapids, Mich., as well as within its network of contract growers around the U.S.
Edible Garden AG Inc. is expanding its reach following the acquisition of a greenhouse facility in the Midwest.
Located in Grand Rapids, Mich., Edible Garden Heartland is a 5-acre controlled environment agriculture (CEA) facility. According to the Belvidere-based company, the site is expected to be fully operational by the end of the year, with capacity to support up to $20 million in annualized revenue.
“It’s really pretty exciting. I love the idea of … bridging the two parts of the country and being that kind of bridge,” CEO Jim Kras told NJBIZ.
The deal also includes an existing horticultural business that Edible Garden says has historically generated about $2 million in annual revenue. The combination offers potential cross-selling opportunities.
“We’re going to continue that business. We kept their employees and we’re going to add to it,” Kras said. “So we’ll be bringing more jobs to the area as we’re going to be bringing technology and starting to put in some other products that we grow and are known for to provide more service for [customers].”
The location is ideal because it places Edible Garden in proximity to grocer Meijer, a major distribution partner. That proximity allows for efficiencies that minimize food miles and shorten time to market, which is good for consumers but also good for business – and the environment – because it decreases spoilage and waste on top of reducing the company’s carbon footprint.
Partnering up
In New Jersey, Edible Garden CEO Jim Kras called attention to its oldest customer, Wakefern Food Corp., and the efforts the company has made in supporting the company, and its mission.
“They actually send their big yellow ShopRite trucks to our Belvidere, New Jersey, facility six out of seven days a week to pick up, which is huge for us,” Kras told NJBIZ. “It allowed us to remove nine vans and two box trucks driving off throughout New Jersey.” Aside from logistical support, Kras pointed to the sustainable benefits that kind of move makes. “Think about the reduction in carbon that’s resulted in and, you know, they’ve got good, fresh product that’s moving through their warehouse … that was a huge commitment on both parties part, but primarily Wakefern’s to do it. And it was the right thing. And I’m trying to get all my retailers to think that way. … Let’s try to maximize the trucks that are already out there versus just putting more trucks on, you know?”
Edible Garden Heartland won’t just help bring the company’s “Simply Local…Simply Fresh” foods to the area, it’ll also be retrofitted to accommodate a state-of-the-art research and development center with a focus on improving existing products and developing new ones, innovating plant-based protein and nutraceuticals, and applying advanced agricultural technologies.
The site will also mark Edible Garden’s first commercial installation of its proprietary hybrid growing system.
In Belvidere, the company also occupies a 5-acre facility. However, Kras pointed out that on the East Coast processes are more horizontal. In the Midwest, Edible Gardens will start to grow vertically, which takes up less space overall.
“We are elevating and optimizing that core technology to include now more vertical grows,” he said. “Which means we can double our output from the same amount of space out of Michigan, which means we can potentially double our revenue out of that facility.”
And because the Grand Rapids location is essentially turnkey, Kras said it allows Edible Garden to do even more, quicker since it doesn’t have to build out the entire space.
Growing plans
Edible Garden launched its IPO on the Nasdaq in May.
Earlier this month, the company reported financial results for the three-month period ending June 30. Revenues totaled $3 million, marking an increase of 7.5% compared with the same period last year. The company attributed the increase to growth from its existing customer base.
“While we are happy with the organic growth we continue to witness in our business, we believe we are now well positioned to drive more rapid expansion of our business and increase our margins beginning in the second half of 2022,” Kras said in a statement released with the results.
For the first six months of 2022, revenues came in at $5.7 million – an increase of 8.8% for the first half of 2021.
The new facility will be led by General Manager Mike Sudbury, a “heartland native.” The company anticipates retaining most of the existing workforce at the property from the formerly family-owned business, with the potential to add more positions in the future.
“We’re keeping their employees and the son is going to stay on over the next year and help us transition some of the business,” Kras said, noting the sensitivity that comes with taking over the business. “I respect anybody who puts in the hard work and builds a business. And it’s really hard. And so, I think they’re excited and now they can go do what they want to do … and everybody wins.”
Further extending its community outreach – a guiding principal of the company – Edible Garden said it is partnering with the University of Michigan’s School of Environment & Sustainability and Erb Institute to offer students the chance to work directly on development and implementation programs to address the environmental and societal impacts of the food industry by using sustainable CEA farming practices at the midwestern location.
Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
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