Retail giant, Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) and 80 Acres Farms, a trailblazing leader in global vertical farming, are teaming up to enhance access to fresh and wholesome produce for a wider range of households. This strategic partnership marks a significant stride toward enhancing the availability of high-quality produce while embracing environmentally responsible farming methods.
80 Acres Farms
Since 2019, 80 Acres Farms has been a trusted supplier for Kroger, starting from a single downtown Cincinnati store and progressively expanding to cover over 300 locations across Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky by 2021. Buoyed by this achievement, the partnership is now set to soar to new heights, with ambitious plans to extend its services to nearly 1,000 Kroger stores spanning across the Midwest and Southeastern regions.
Dan De La Rosa, Kroger’s Group Vice President of Fresh Merchandising, expressed, “Kroger is committed to ensuring that everyone has access to fresh, delightful food.” He emphasized the value of 80 Acres Farms’ inventive techniques and technology in offering customers nutrient-rich produce while promoting sustainable farming practices. This partnership strives to broaden the availability of outstanding products from 80 Acres Farms, renowned for their exceptional taste and extended freshness.
What Sets 80 Acres Farms Apart?
What sets 80 Acres Farms apart is their cultivation of pesticide-free crops indoors, employing fewer natural resources. With operational farms in Ohio and Kentucky, alongside research facilities in Arkansas and The Netherlands, the company is dedicated to elevating farming practices. 80 Acres’ most recent farm, established in December 2022 in Florence, KY, is forecasted to yield around 40 million servings of produce annually. As part of its forward-looking strategy, the company is on the cusp of launching another state-of-the-art farm in Georgia, with further expansions on the horizon.
Leveraging Kroger’s Expansive Reach
80 Acres Farms is bringing its fresh produce to new areas, including Michigan, Tennessee, and Georgia in 2023. Subsequent expansion plans encompass the Mid-Atlantic and Delta regions during the autumn. In addition to their acclaimed salad blends, 80 Acres Farms envisions offering Kroger customers an array of products, including convenient and delectable grab-and-go fresh meals.
Mike Zelkind, the co-founder and CEO of 80 Acres Farms, noted, “Indoor farming has long attracted retailers due to its potential to provide fresh, healthful, and superbly tasting produce in a manner that is more environmentally sustainable and resilient.” He commended Kroger for its forward-thinking approach in recognizing the pivotal role of vertical farming in reshaping the nation’s food supply chain and delivering products that resonate with consumers.
Conclusion
The partnership between Kroger and 80 Acres Farms is certain to restructure the accessibility of fresh produce while championing sustainable agriculture. This collaboration stands as a blueprint for merging innovative technology and eco-conscious practices to carve a brighter path for the future of food production and distribution.
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