Edible Garden expands distribution with Allegiance Retail Services banner

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Belvidere-based Edible Garden‘s U.S. Department of Agriculture organic herbs will soon be available at regional supermarket chain Freshtown Marketplace.

In a March 11 press release, the hydroponic farming company announced an expansion of its distribution with the supermarket – which is a member of Iselin-based supermarket co-op Allegiance Retail Services LLC – to sell Edible Garden produce and products in its 65-plus stores across the metropolitan area.

Founded in 2015, Edible Garden’s locally grown, sustainable lettuce, organic herbs, hydro basil, salad kits, sauces and protein powders can be found at more than 5,000 stores, including Meijer, Target, Stop & Shop, ShopRite, Aldi, Foodtown, Kroger, Stew Leonard’s, H Mart and Walmart. 

Edible Garden CEO Jim Kras believes Freshtown Marketplace’s ability to leverage shared buying powering and resources to offer competitively priced, high-quality products aligns with his company’s mission “to provide the freshest, sustainably grown produce to consumers.”

Growing footprint

“This partnership is a direct response to evolving consumer preferences for fresh, organic, and sustainably sourced products. By positioning our products in Freshtown Marketplace, a store known for these attributes, we are strategically capturing the growing segment of health-conscious consumers who seek premium, sustainably grown ingredients,” Kras said.

He went on to add, “This collaboration will make our USDA Organic herbs more accessible to consumers and communities, featuring a variety of favorites like basil, cilantro, and parsley—all cultivated with a strong commitment to quality and sustainability. By supporting locally driven farming practices, this partnership also addresses the growing demand for fresh, health-focused options.”

Edible Garden already has distribution agreements with other banners within the Allegiance family such as Morton Williams Supermarkets, Gristedes and D’Agostino. 

Iselin-headquartered Allegiance’s retail network of more than 100 supermarkets also includes Foodtown, Pathmark, LaBella Marketplace, Brooklyn Harvest Market, Market Fresh, Big Deal Food Market, Green Way Markets, Food Basics and Shop ‘n Bag.