Edible Garden AG Incorporated, a controlled environment agriculture (CEA) company that grows produce indoors under managed conditions, has begun shipping what it says is the industry’s first verified USDA Organic basil to Wakefern Food Corp. for distribution to participating ShopRite stores as part of an exclusive program.
The Belvidere, New Jersey-based company timed the expanded distribution ahead of Labor Day weekend, a period of increased demand for fresh herbs driven by grilling and entertaining. The basil is produced in accordance with USDA National Organic Program standards and independently verified by an accredited organic certifier.
The transportation element
The program utilizes Wakefern’s backhaul logistics network, allowing Edible Garden’s products to be picked up as part of existing transportation routes. The company said the arrangement is designed to enhance supply-chain efficiency, reduce food miles and support its Zero-Waste Inspired mission.
“Bringing what we believe is the CEA industry’s first verified USDA Organic basil to Wakefern and participating ShopRite stores through this exclusive program represents an important expansion of our organic fresh herb offering,” said Jim Kras, CEO of Edible Garden. “Our goal is to give consumers the combination of organic integrity, freshness and locally grown convenience they increasingly seek.”
Edible Garden grows its basil in a controlled environment designed to provide greater consistency, quality and year-round availability while reducing reliance on long-distance supply chains.
“We believe this program demonstrates the value of our controlled environment agriculture platform and localized distribution capabilities, while creating additional opportunities to grow our presence with major retail partners,” Kras said.
Edible Garden’s products are available in more than 6,000 retail locations in the United States, Caribbean and South America. The company operates vertically integrated greenhouses and processing facilities in Grand Rapids, Michigan; Webster City, Iowa; and Belvidere, New Jersey, and partners with a network of contract growers located near major U.S. markets.