Last updated on February 7th, 2023 at 04:46 pm
Cincinnati-based The Kroger Co. and Gotham Greens are bringing greenhouse-grown produce and plant-based foods to more customers across the country.
Kroger customers can find Gotham Greens’ produce in more than 300 stores, with plans to expand to nearly 1,000 stores by the end of 2023. In addition, the expansion of Gotham Greens’ plant-based dips, cooking sauces and dressings will put the supplier in about 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, group VP 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 reducing climate impact by reducing food waste and 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. 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.
“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, Gotham Greens will own and operate 13 greenhouses, totaling more than 40 acres across nine states: California, Colorado, Illinois, Texas, Georgia, Maryland, Virginia, New York and Rhode Island.
Gotham Greens has been a supplier to Kroger since 2020, first launching in its King Soopers Division. As Gotham Greens opens new greenhouses across the U.S., its greenhouse-grown leafy greens and herb line will continue to roll out across King Soopers, Ralphs, Dillons, Frys, QFC, Fred Meyer and select Kroger division stores.
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