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Edible Garden Transitions Business to Edible Garden Heartland on Schedule; Increased Efficiency and Owned Facility Expected to Positively Impact Margins

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Edible Garden AG Incorporated announces the vertical integration of its Edible Garden Heartland facility in Grand Rapids, Michigan, shifting production of potted herbs in-house to enhance margins. The company is now shipping USDA Organic potted herbs to major Midwest retailers, expecting reduced production costs and improved efficiency.
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The initiative by Edible Garden AG Incorporated to vertically integrate its Edible Garden Heartland facility represents a strategic move to optimize their production process. By shifting potted herb production in-house, the company aims to reduce reliance on external contract-growers, which could lead to a decrease in operational costs and an improvement in profit margins. This is particularly significant in the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) sector, where margins can be thin and cost control is vital for competitive advantage.

Vertical integration allows for better control over the quality of the product, which is critical in organic produce markets. The use of their patented GreenThumb greenhouse management system could enhance product traceability, an important factor for consumers concerned with food safety and sustainability. Furthermore, the installation of high-speed packing lines is an indication of the company's commitment to efficiency and could be a harbinger of increased productivity and capacity utilization.

However, the transition to in-house production also comes with risks, such as increased capital expenditures and potential challenges in managing the expanded operations. Investors should monitor the company's ability to manage these changes and whether the expected cost savings materialize in the financial results.

Edible Garden's shift to in-house production is a clear indicator of their focus on supply chain optimization. By bringing production closer to the point of distribution, the company can reduce transportation costs and lead times, which are critical factors in the perishable goods market. This strategic move could also enhance the company's ability to respond quickly to market demand fluctuations, a key aspect in maintaining retailer relationships and consumer satisfaction.

The integration of GreenThumb technology into their supply chain is a forward-thinking approach to manage complex operations. It could lead to improved inventory management and reduced waste, which are important for sustainability goals and cost management. However, the effectiveness of these technologies in delivering the expected benefits will be a important aspect to watch.

Investors should consider the potential for improved margins against the investments made in technology and facility upgrades. The company's execution on this strategy and its impact on operational efficiency will be telling of their long-term competitive positioning in the CEA industry.

Edible Garden's commitment to sustainability is evident in their latest vertical integration efforts. By controlling more aspects of the production process, they are likely to have a greater impact on their environmental footprint. The move to in-house production can lead to more sustainable practices, such as reduced transportation emissions and more efficient use of resources.

The use of controlled environment agriculture (CEA) is inherently a response to the need for more sustainable farming practices, as it typically uses less water and land compared to traditional agriculture. The company's patented greenhouse management system could further enhance these benefits by optimizing growing conditions and reducing resource waste.

While these initiatives are promising, the actual sustainability outcomes will depend on the implementation effectiveness and whether the company can scale these practices without compromising their environmental goals. Stakeholders with a focus on sustainable investing will be interested in the company's progress and potential impact on their ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) ratings.

Shifts contract-grower production in-house; now shipping to major Midwest retailers

BELVIDERE, NJ, April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Edible Garden AG Incorporated (“Edible Garden” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: EDBL, EDBLW), a leader in controlled environment agriculture (CEA), locally grown, organic and sustainable produce and products, today announced a new initiative aimed at vertical integration of its Edible Garden Heartland facility in Grand Rapids, Michigan, allowing the Company to shift production of its potted herbs from contract-growers to in-house production which is expected to enhance the Company’s margins. 

Mr. Jim Kras, Chief Executive Officer of Edible Garden, commented, “As a result of our vertical integration initiative, I am pleased to announce we are now shipping the USDA Organic potted herbs produced at our Edible Garden Heartland facility to major distribution partners in the Midwest. This marks a significant expansion of our Midwest production capabilities and is expected to enhance our margins by reducing production costs. Since acquiring Edible Garden Heartland, we have integrated cutting-edge technologies, including our unique, patented GreenThumb greenhouse management system, which not only improves the traceability of our products but also streamlines our supply chain's efficiency. In addition, we have recently completed the installation of several high-speed packing lines at the facility, allowing the facility to operate at increased capacity. Having Edible Garden Heartland operate at a higher capacity enables us to shift from contract growers to in-house production, starting with potted herbs. We believe this vertical integration illustrates our commitment to maximizing the operating efficiency of our facilities as we forge ahead toward our goal of profitability.”

ABOUT EDIBLE GARDEN®

Edible Garden AG Incorporated is a leader in controlled environment agriculture (CEA), locally grown, organic and sustainable produce and products backed by Zero-Waste Inspired® next generation farming. Offered at over 5,000 stores in the US, Edible Garden is disrupting the CEA and sustainability technology movement with its safety-in-farming protocols, use of sustainable packaging, patented GreenThumb software and self-watering in-store displays. The Company currently operates its own state-of-the-art greenhouses and processing facilities in Belvidere, New Jersey and Grand Rapids, Michigan, and has a network of contract growers, all strategically located near major markets in the U.S. Its proprietary GreenThumb 2.0 patented (US Nos.: US 11,158,006 B1, US 11,410,249 B2 and US 11,830, 088 B2) software optimizes growing in vertical and traditional greenhouses while seeking to reduce pollution-generating food miles. Its proprietary patented (U.S. Patent No. D1,010,365) Self-watering display is designed to increase plant shelf life and provide an enhanced in-store plant display experience. Edible Garden is also a developer of ingredients and proteins, providing an accessible line of plant and whey protein powders under the Vitamin Way® and Vitamin Whey® brands. In addition, the Company offers a line of sustainable food flavoring products such as Pulp gourmet sauces and chili-based products. For more information on Edible Garden go to https://ediblegardenag.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including with respect to the Company’s ability to improve its financial results, the Company’s growth strategies, the Company’s ability to expand into new product lines, and its performance as a public company. The words “believe,” “design,” “expect,” “goal,” “objective,” “seek,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, including market and other conditions and the Company’s ability to achieve its growth objectives. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements after the date hereof to conform to actual results or changes in expectations, except as required by law.

Investor Contacts:
Crescendo Communications, LLC
212-671-1020
EDBL@crescendo-ir.com



FAQ

What is Edible Garden AG Incorporated's new initiative announced in the press release?

The company announced the vertical integration of its Edible Garden Heartland facility in Grand Rapids, Michigan, shifting production of potted herbs in-house.

Where is Edible Garden AG Incorporated now shipping its USDA Organic potted herbs?

The company is now shipping the herbs to major distribution partners in the Midwest.

What technology has Edible Garden AG Incorporated integrated into its Edible Garden Heartland facility?

The company has integrated cutting-edge technologies, including the patented GreenThumb greenhouse management system.

How does the vertical integration initiative impact Edible Garden AG Incorporated's production costs?

The initiative is expected to enhance margins by reducing production costs.

What recent installation has Edible Garden AG Incorporated completed at the Edible Garden Heartland facility?

The company has completed the installation of several high-speed packing lines at the facility.

What is the goal of Edible Garden AG Incorporated's vertical integration initiative?

The company aims to maximize operating efficiency and profitability by shifting from contract growers to in-house production.

Edible Garden AG Incorporated

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Soybean Farming
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting
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BELVIDERE