AeroFarms celebrates first year of Costco partnership

AeroFarms, a microgreens supplier and Certified B Corporation, recently marked the first anniversary of its partnership with Costco.

AeroFarms microgreens are now available in approximately 250 Costco warehouses nationwide. Building on the success of a 6-ounce Micro Rainbow Mix with Costco, AeroFarms recently launched a seasonal Micro Broccoli product to be featured in select Costco locations during January's Healthy Habits month, according to a news release.

"We are thrilled to collaborate with Costco to bring our innovative, flavorful and highly nutritious microgreens to Costco members as a new staple for a healthy eating lifestyle," said Dane Almassy, senior vice president of sales and marketing for AeroFarms. "Costco has been a tremendous partner in building this high-growth microgreens segment within the leafy greens category. We are proud to offer Costco year-round supply of our microgreens from a farm that is weather-resilient and uses 90% less water and 230-times less land than traditional field farming."

AeroFarms says it is a leading supplier in the U.S. microgreens category, with over 70% retail market share. The company says consumer interest continues to grow as people discover the robust flavors, versatility and nutritional benefits of microgreens.

Historically used as a garnish, microgreens are now embraced not only as a substitute for leafy greens on soups and sandwiches, but as the base ingredient for center-of-the-plate salads. According to studies by the USDA and the University of Maryland, microgreens can contain five- to 40-times more of specific phytonutrients and vitamins than their mature plant counterparts, the release said.

AeroFarms operates an indoor vertical farm in Danville, Va., using patented aeroponics technology, robotics, automated conveyance, artificial intelligence and machine learning. The company says the proprietary technologies have enabled it to deliver a truly differentiated product on an economically viable basis, with extended shelf life, high nutrient density and superior taste without the need to wash before eating, the release said.