Kroger and 80 Acres Farms partner to expand reach

Kroger is working with global vertical farming company 80 Acres Farms to bring more clean produce to more consumers. The vertical farmer has been a supplier to Kroger since 2019, starting with a single store in Ohio, but has since grown to more than 300 stores across Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. 

Following today's expansion announcement, the companies plan to serve consumers across 1,000 Kroger stores in the Midwest and Southeast. 

Kroger’s Group VP of Fresh Merchandising Dan De La Rosa said that 80 Acres’ approach and technology helps  advance sustainable growing practices. This, in turn, creates long-lasting items all year round. 

The 80 Acres Farms produce is grown without pesticides and entirely indoors, which uses fewer natural resources. Currently, the company operates production farms in Ohio and Kentucky, as well as research facilities in Arkansas and The Netherlands. The company's newest farm in Kentucky commenced operations in December 2022 and will supply approximately 40 million servings of produce annually.

The vertical farmer also plans to open another next-generation farm in Georgia with plans for more locations on the way. Kroger is bringing the in-door produce to new geographies including Michigan, Tennessee, and Georgia in early 2023 and will continue into the Mid-Atlantic and Delta regions in the fall. 

Related:Kroger promises more resources for associates if merger with Albertsons goes through

Soon, 80 Acres Farms will also supply Kroger shoppers with products beyond the company's existing salad blends, including grab-and-go fresh meals.

"Retailers have long been attracted to indoor farming because of its potential to supply fresh, health, and great-tasting produce in a more environmentally sustainable and resilient manner," said 80 Acres Farms co-founder and CEO Mike Zelkind.