Indoor vertical farming is stepping into 430 grocery stores in California.
Albertsons Companies, Inc. and Plenty Unlimited Inc., have formed a partnership to provide shoppers in more than 430 stores across California with fresh produce year-round.
Plenty’s sustainable indoor vertical farm leverages data analytics, machine learning and customized lighting to maximize taste. A combination of wind and solar provides 100% of the farm’s energy. The current Plenty farm can grow 1 million plants at a time and process 200 plants per minute, and is designed to use less than 1% of land and 5% of water compared to traditional farming.
According to a press release, the partnership’s goal is to offer uninterrupted access to fresh produce and meet “the evolving needs of the consumer—regardless of events that can impact the supply chain.”
Albertson stores plan to carry 4 Plenty products initially:
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Baby Arugula - A bold baby arugula with spice and subtle hints of summer citrus and black pepper.
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Baby Kale - A velvety-soft baby kale highlighted by bright notes and a smooth finish.
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Crispy Lettuce - A crispy leaf delivering the fresh, clean crunch people crave with a versatility deserving of the most creative ideas.
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Mizuna Mix - A crunchy, colorful mix of tatsoi and mizuna that brings a mustardy heat to the table.
Plenty produce is currently available in select Safeway and Andronicos locations in the Bay Area, with plans to expand to additional stores in California – including Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions – as supply increases.
