Key Takeaways
- Edible Garden received a $2.66 million incentive package from the Iowa Economic Development Authority to redevelop the former National Shrimp facility in Webster City, Iowa.
- The 400,000-square-foot facility will be converted into a high-capacity, automated production plant for shelf-stable ready-to-drink nutritional beverages.
- At full capacity, the facility is expected to produce more than 100 million RTD beverage units annually, supporting the company's Farm to Formula strategy.
- The project transforms Edible Garden's capabilities beyond cultivation into value-added food and beverage manufacturing using sustainable production methods.
- Jim Kras serves as Chief Executive Officer of Edible Garden, while Margaret Riter holds the position of Managing Principal at Steadfast City.
Edible Garden Expands into Beverage Manufacturing
Edible Garden AG Incorporated announced the strategic redevelopment of a former aquaculture facility in Webster City, Iowa, into a large-scale ready-to-drink beverage production hub. The controlled environment agriculture company received approval for a $2.66 million incentive package from the Iowa Economic Development Authority to support this expansion.
The 400,000-square-foot facility, previously operated as the National Shrimp facility, will undergo conversion into a high-capacity, automated production plant. The transformation extends the company's vertically integrated capabilities beyond cultivation into value-added food and beverage manufacturing.
Production Capacity and Technology Focus
The facility will concentrate on producing shelf-stable, plant- and dairy-based protein beverages using advanced precision processing, automation, and sustainable production methods. At full capacity, the plant expects to manufacture more than 100 million RTD beverage units annually, positioning the company to capitalize on the expanding functional and clean nutrition beverage market.
“We are pleased to receive this support from the State of Iowa as we continue to expand into higher-margin, shelf-stable nutrition categories,” said Jim Kras, Chief Executive Officer of Edible Garden. “This facility represents a natural extension of our Farm to Formula platform, combining our agricultural expertise, advanced technology, and sustainability-driven approach to produce innovative, better-for-you beverages at scale.”
Edible Garden's Sustainability Commitment
The redevelopment aligns with the company's Zero-Waste Inspired approach and sustainability goals. The transformation is expected to enhance supply chain integration and operational efficiency while supporting regional supply chain development.
“This project reflects the Company's commitment to sustainability in a very tangible way,” said Margaret Riter, Managing Principal at Steadfast City. “It transforms an existing facility into a high-capacity production platform, positioning the Company for long-term growth while driving meaningful, lasting economic impact across the region.”
The company expects broad national distribution through this initiative, driving revenue diversification and further scaling of its consumer-packaged goods platform.
