Edible Garden & Weis Markets Forge a New Path for Sustainable Groceries

BELVIDERE, NJ – December 18, 2025 – In a significant move signaling a deeper integration of technology and sustainability in the grocery sector, Edible Garden AG Incorporated has begun shipping a fully integrated fresh herb program to 204 Weis Markets stores across the Mid-Atlantic. The expanded partnership moves beyond a previous limited-scale offering, establishing the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) leader as the comprehensive supplier of potted herbs, hydroponic basil, and cut herbs for the regional grocery giant.

This collaboration leverages Edible Garden's high-tech, “Zero-Waste Inspired” farming model to meet a well-documented surge in consumer demand for fresh, local, and organic products. For shoppers from Pennsylvania to Virginia, it promises a new standard of freshness and availability in the produce aisle, backed by a radically efficient and environmentally conscious supply chain.

A Greener Aisle for the Mid-Atlantic

The partnership directly addresses a powerful shift in consumer behavior. Recent industry data highlights the robust growth of the organic food market, which reached an estimated $65.4 billion in U.S. sales in 2024. Fresh fruits and vegetables are the largest driver of this trend, accounting for a third of all organic food sales. Consumers are increasingly motivated by health concerns, a desire to avoid pesticides, and a growing awareness of the environmental impact of their food choices.

By providing a consistent supply of USDA Organic herbs grown in its nearby Belvidere, New Jersey, facility, Edible Garden enables Weis Markets to directly cater to this conscientious customer base. The 'local for local' model is central to the initiative. By closing the distance between the farm and the store, the partnership drastically reduces 'food miles'—the total distance a product travels before reaching the consumer. This not only lowers transportation-related carbon emissions but also ensures a fresher product with a longer shelf life, aligning perfectly with Weis Markets' long-standing sustainability goals, which include significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and waste diversion.

The new program is comprehensive, featuring a range of herb varieties designed to enhance the in-store experience. It marks a strategic effort by Weis Markets to solidify its reputation as a destination for high-quality, responsibly sourced fresh foods.

The Technology Behind the Freshness

At the heart of Edible Garden's ability to deliver on this promise is a suite of proprietary technologies that redefines modern agriculture. The company is a leader in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), a method that involves growing crops indoors under meticulously managed conditions. This approach uses up to 95% less water and significantly less land than traditional field farming, while eliminating the need for chemical pesticides and herbicides.

Orchestrating the entire operation is GreenThumb 2.0, a patented software platform that acts as the digital brain of the greenhouse. Protected by multiple U.S. patents, this system uses advanced sensors and AI to monitor and optimize everything from light and temperature to nutrient delivery. More than just a growing tool, GreenThumb 2.0 is a sophisticated supply chain management system that integrates real-time sales data with crop production schedules. It allows for precise forecasting of market demand, ensuring that what is grown is what is needed, thereby minimizing overproduction and waste.

Innovation extends all the way to the retail floor. The partnership includes the rollout of Edible Garden's patented Self-Watering in-store displays (U.S. Patent No. D1,010,365). These units are engineered to extend the life of the living herbs, keeping them vibrant and fresh for longer periods. For retailers, this is a crucial tool in the fight against spoilage—a major source of financial loss and food waste in the grocery industry.

Redrawing the Supply Chain Map

The operational backbone of the partnership is a 'Direct to DC' (Direct-to-Distribution-Center) model. Instead of navigating a complex web of third-party distributors, Edible Garden ships its products directly from its New Jersey greenhouse to Weis Markets' central distribution hubs. This streamlined approach shortens the time from harvest to shelf, a critical factor for perishable products like fresh herbs.

This logistical efficiency is amplified by geography. Edible Garden's headquarters and primary East Coast greenhouse in Belvidere, NJ, are strategically positioned near Weis Markets' core operational footprint and its Sunbury, PA, headquarters. This proximity makes the 'Direct to DC' model exceptionally effective, translating into tangible benefits like lower fuel consumption, reduced transportation costs, and unparalleled product freshness.

“Expanding our relationship with Weis Markets further strengthens our presence across key East Coast and Mid-Atlantic markets while addressing growing consumer demand for organic, better-for-you, and sustainably produced fresh herbs,” said Jim Kras, Chief Executive Officer of Edible Garden. “Weis Markets’ regional scale, long operating history, and centralized distribution model make them a strong partner as we continue executing our disciplined growth strategy.”

A Strategic Bet on Sustainable Growth

For Edible Garden, a publicly traded company on the Nasdaq (EDBL), this expanded partnership is a critical validation of its business model in a competitive and capital-intensive industry. While financial analysts note the sector faces challenges, strategic alliances with major retailers like Weis Markets are key to achieving scalable growth and profitability. The deal showcases how Edible Garden's deep investment in technology and its unwavering commitment to sustainability can create a powerful competitive advantage.

By embedding its technology and processes within a retailer's operations, the company moves beyond being a simple supplier to become an integral partner in quality control and waste reduction. As Kras noted, “By leveraging our proprietary growing systems and in-store technologies, we help improve product performance, maintain consistent quality at retail, and reduce food waste, all while keeping food miles low through our proximity to their core markets.”

This collaboration serves as a compelling case study for the future of food retail, where the lines between agriculture, technology, and the consumer experience are increasingly blurred. It demonstrates a shared vision for a food system that is not only more efficient and profitable but also healthier for consumers and gentler on the planet.