The Kroger Company will expand a successful trial of vertically farmed produce to more than 300 stores.  Leafy greens and vegetables from 80 Acres Farms will be offered in three Midwest states from mid-March onwards. Products will include salad blends, herbs, cucumbers and cherry tomatoes.

Dan De LaRosa, Group Vice President for Fresh Merchandising at Kroger stated, "this newly expanded partnership means more communities will have just-picked produce 365 days per year.  We are proud to partner with 80 Acres Farms as we work together to create a world with zero hunger and zero waste. 

Mike Zelkind, CEO and co-Founder of 80 Acres Farm stated, "consumers are looking for more nutrition from their diet and want to trust that their food is safe and chemical free and will last longer in their refrigerators".  Produce will be supplied from farms located in Ohio, North Carolina, Arkansas and Alabama and will be shipped to participating Kroger locations. 

An additional trend emerging in Europe is the installation of hydroponic farms within stores.  In the U.S., Plenty Inc. is partnering with Albertsons in a trial involving 53 Safeway and Vons stores in Northern California.