Edible Garden AG Incorporated, a Belvidere-based leader in controlled environment agriculture (CEA), announced Wednesday a significant expansion of its retail footprint through a new two-year agreement with Busch’s Fresh Food Market.
The deal will see the Warren County firm’s signature fresh potted herbs roll out across Busch’s entire network of 16 stores throughout Michigan. For Edible Garden, the partnership marks a strategic move to deepen its presence in the Midwest by aligning with a family-owned retailer known for premium quality and community-focused sourcing.
A key component of the rollout is the deployment of Edible Garden’s patented self-watering displays (U.S. Patent No. D1,010,365). These mobile, battery-powered units are designed to keep herbs in their prime while on the shelf, significantly extending shelf life and reducing food waste—a core tenant of the company’s “Zero-Waste Inspired” mission.
“Partnering with Busch’s allows us to extend our potted herb portfolio with a retailer that genuinely values freshness, quality, and regional relationships,” Jim Kras, CEO of Edible Garden said. “Busch’s provides an ideal environment for products that are grown to perform at retail, stay fresh longer, and connect with consumers who care about how and where their food is produced.”
While Edible Garden operates nationally, its heart remains in the Garden State. Its state-of-the-art greenhouse facility in Belvidere serves as the company’s headquarters and a hub for its sustainable farming innovations.
By using advanced agricultural technology, including its proprietary GreenThumb 2.0 software, the company can track and optimize the growth of its herbs to ensure they reach grocery stores with maximum flavor and longevity.
The two-year agreement is part of a broader trend where regional grocers are turning to high-tech farming companies to meet the rising consumer demand for “hyper-local” and organic produce. As transportation costs and environmental concerns rise, Edible Garden’s model of growing close to major markets reduces “food miles” and ensures a more resilient supply chain.
The companies are currently in discussions toward a broader supply relationship that could eventually include Edible Garden’s other sustainable product lines, such as their cut herbs and salad greens.
