AeroFarms Marks Eight-Year Collaboration with Whole Foods Market on Microgreens Expansion

Key Takeaways

• AeroFarms and Whole Foods Market celebrate eight years of partnership focused on microgreens
• The collaboration helped establish a new segment within the packaged salad category
• AeroFarms supplies seven varieties of nutrient-dense microgreens nationwide
• Product positioning has shifted microgreens from garnish to core meal components
• Shelf-life and nutritional density remain key differentiators in retail success

AeroFarms and Whole Foods Market Reflect on Long-Term Collaboration

AeroFarms, a U.S.-based vertical farming company, and Whole Foods Market have marked eight years of partnership focused on expanding microgreens access in the retail space. The companies began collaborating in 2017 to explore market demand for microgreens and test placement strategies within the leafy greens category.

“From the beginning, WFM has been a fantastic partner, prioritizing innovation and recognizing the opportunity for microgreens to make a significant contribution to a healthy consumer diet,” said Dane Almassy, SVP of Sales & Marketing at AeroFarms.

Microgreens Positioned as a Primary Ingredient in Packaged Salads

As part of the collaboration, microgreens were merchandised within the packaged salad set, a shift from their typical use as garnishes. According to AeroFarms, this strategy helped redefine how shoppers view and incorporate microgreens in meals.

“The wide variety of flavors that AeroFarms offers can elevate a broad array of food occasions as the primary ingredient in salads, power bowls, sandwiches, and more,” Almassy added.

Product Attributes: Shelf Life and Nutritional Profile

AeroFarms highlights that its microgreens contain 4-to-40 times more vitamins and phytonutrients than their mature vegetable counterparts. The company also notes that the products offer one of the longest shelf lives among leafy greens.

“Partnering with AeroFarms, who is laser-focused on accessibility of nutrient-dense food options, was a no-brainer,” said Eric Cusimano, Global Produce Category Manager at Whole Foods Market. “AeroFarms delivers microgreens with the longest shelf life on the market, which enables us to deliver their microgreens to shoppers across the nation.”

Aerofarms & Whole Foods: Shared Focus on Consumer Access and Sustainable Practices

The partnership supports a shared objective of increasing access to nutrient-dense foods through sustainable production methods.

“Our ethos is to nourish people and our planet, and AeroFarms shares that – making nutrition-packed microgreens accessible to U.S. shoppers while using less resources, like water and land, to do so,” Cusimano added.

Looking ahead, both companies indicate continued collaboration on merchandising and product development strategies for emerging fresh produce categories.