Grand Rapids AgTech Leader Earns Global Recognition

BELVIDERE, NJ — Edible Garden AG Incorporated, a controlled environment agriculture company with major operations in Grand Rapids, Michigan, announced today that it has been named to the 2025 FoodTech 500 by Forward Fooding for the fourth consecutive year.

The prestigious ranking recognizes the most innovative companies operating at the intersection of food, technology, and sustainability. The 2025 cohort was selected from more than 1,200 applicants across 87 countries, reflecting the continued global expansion and importance of sustainable food system innovation.

"We are honored to be recognized in the FoodTech 500 for the fourth consecutive year, a reflection of the momentum we are building as we continue to expand our footprint in sustainable agriculture and food technology," said Jim Kras, Chief Executive Officer of Edible Garden.

"Our team remains focused on advancing innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve product quality across the supply chain. As demand grows for locally produced, sustainably grown food, we are well positioned to meet that need while driving meaningful impact for retailers, consumers, and the environment," Kras added.

Farm to Formula Approach Drives Innovation

Edible Garden's differentiated Farm to Formula approach builds on its deep roots in AgTech and controlled environment agriculture, enabling the company to extend its capabilities beyond cultivation into value-added products and solutions.

By leveraging advanced greenhouse growing techniques, the company's patented GreenThumb software, and its self-watering display technology, Edible Garden reduces waste, extends product shelf life, and drives operational efficiency across the supply chain. This integrated approach allows the company to maximize the value of what it grows while supporting a more sustainable and resilient food ecosystem.

The company operates state-of-the-art, vertically integrated greenhouses and processing facilities, including Edible Garden Heartland in Grand Rapids, Michigan, along with operations in Webster City, Iowa, and headquarters in New Jersey.

Expanding into Ready-to-Drink Categories

Edible Garden is actively expanding its presence in value-added and ready-to-drink categories, partnering with Tetra Pak to build a 200,000-square-foot Midwest production facility. The company has engaged Steadfast City Economic & Community Partners, a nationally recognized development and planning firm, to support the optimization and execution of its Midwest platform initiative.

"This initiative represents an opportunity to align sustainable food production with regional economic growth," said Margaret Riter, Managing Principal at Steadfast City.

"Our focus is on ensuring the platform is positioned for long-term scalability while delivering meaningful impact at the local level," Riter added.

Global Recognition and Awards

Edible Garden has established itself as a leader in sustainable agriculture with numerous accolades:

• Named to the FoodTech 500 by Forward Fooding for the fourth consecutive year
• Multi-year participant in Walmart's Project Gigaton and Giga Guru designee
• Received NRG's Excellence in Energy Award for commitment to measurable environmental performance and energy stewardship

Technology and Patents

The company's proprietary GreenThumb 2.0 software, protected by U.S. Patents US 11,158,006 B1, US 11,410,249 B2, and US 11,830,088 B2, optimizes vertical and traditional greenhouse growing conditions while aiming to reduce food miles.

Edible Garden also owns three patents in advanced aquaculture technologies:

• A closed-loop shrimp farming system (US 6,615,767 B1)
• A modular recirculating aquaculture setup with automated water treatment and feeding (US 10,163,199 B2)
• A sensor-driven ammonia control method utilizing electrolytic chlorine generation (US 11,297,809 B1)

Available Nationwide

Edible Garden products are available in over 6,000 retail locations across the United States, Caribbean, and South America. The company's offerings include fresh, sustainable condiments such as Pulp fermented gourmet and chili-based sauces, Pickle Party pickles and krauts, plus plant-based and whey protein powders.

About the FoodTech 500

Inspired by the Fortune 500, the FoodTech 500 drafts the definitive list of the most groundbreaking global businesses at the intersection of food, technology, and sustainability. The FoodTech 500's mission is to shine a spotlight on the leading global innovators across the AgriFoodTech ecosystem, from farm to fork.