Coop Italy and Coop Norway Join Forces with Vertical Farms for Sustainable Salad Solutions

Coop Italy and Coop Norway are advancing sustainability with their collaborations with cutting-edge vertical farms. Kilometro Verde's revolutionary salad, cultivated in Europe's largest vertical farm, is now making its way to the shelves of over 700 Coop Italy stores. Meanwhile, Coop Norway is partnering with Avisomo for vertical lettuce cultivation, addressing climate challenges and ensuring stable salad supplies through their joint venture, Himmelgrønt.

Coop Italy has taken a significant step towards sustainability by introducing Kilometro Verde's salad, grown using environmentally friendly hydroponic technology. This forward-thinking approach combines the rich agricultural heritage of Italy with modern, sustainable farming practices. The salad varieties, including variegated loose-leaf and curly lettuce, are packaged in compostable paper bags, reflecting Coop Italy's commitment to reducing environmental impact throughout the supply chain.

The adoption of hydroponic technology allows Kilometro Verde to grow salads efficiently, using minimal water and space compared to traditional farming methods. This not only ensures a more sustainable future but also guarantees a year-round supply of high-quality, locally-grown produce for Coop Italy's customers.

In a parallel initiative, Coop Norway is teaming up with Avisomo for vertical lettuce cultivation through their joint venture, Himmelgrønt. This strategic move addresses climate challenges in Norway, where weather conditions can pose significant threats to salad production. By embracing fully automated, vertical cultivation techniques, Coop Norway aims to create a sustainable and resilient supply chain for salads.
The focus on local products, such as arugula and spinach, is a key aspect of Coop Norway's strategy. By cultivating these greens through vertical farming methods, they anticipate a reliable supply chain with lower carbon emissions. This not only supports local farmers, but also aligns with Coop Norway's commitment to reducing their overall climate impact.

Both Coop Italy and Coop Norway's initiatives underscore the growing importance of sustainability in the retail sector. By embracing vertical farming and environmentally friendly cultivation methods, these Coop stores are actively contributing to the reduction of their carbon footprint and ensuring a more stable supply of fresh, local produce.

As these collaborations continue to flourish, the hope is that other retailers across Europe will be inspired to adopt similar practices, fostering a widespread movement towards sustainable and eco-friendly agriculture. 

Read more (Italy)

Read more (Norway)