‘Locally grown’ has a whole new meaning for one Sydney Woolworths
An exciting Australia-first has launched at a Sydney Woolworths – and it is causing a stir among shoppers.
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“Locally grown” has taken on a whole new meaning for people doing the grocery run at a Sydney Woolworths Metro store today.
The outlet in the inner west suburb of Erskineville is the launch site of Australia’s first in-store vertical farm, which sees fresh and sustainable herbs grown in the middle of the shop.
Dubbed The Urban Garden, buyers can now watch basil, parsley, mint and coriander grow in the herbicide and pesticide-free-environment of the fruit and veg section.
The launch was a hit among locals, with shoppers taking to social media to express their support for the initiative.
“Congrats guys – looks spectacular, let’s just say smoking fresh,” one commenter wrote.
“Wow! I’d love to see one of these in Gawler,” said one person from Adelaide.
The project came about as a result of a partnership between Woolies and Sydney-based AgTech innovation company InvertiGro.
The herbs begin life on an indoor farm in Rosebery – just a few kilometres away – before being transported to the shop, with some going straight on the shelf and others transplanted onto the framing wall.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Woolworths Metro to deliver a hyper locally grown fresh and flavoursome herb range while also introducing Park Sydney shoppers to a new way of farming and the benefits of indoor vertical farming,” IvertiGro co-founder Paul Millett said in a statement.
“Through growing close to where our produce is going to be consumed, InvertiGro reduces food waste considerably by reducing the amount of food lost in transportation and handling.
“By providing fresh usage-size bunches we also aim to reduce the waste once consumers take them home.”
Woolworths metro director Justin Nolan added that the initiative was an opportunity to create more awareness around the benefits of prioritising Australian-farmed products.
“This is a great opportunity for Metro Park Sydney Village customers to connect with the provenance of their produce,” he said.
“Shoppers will notice InvertiGro takes up a small amount of space in-store and is a great non-waste initiative for our customers.
“We look forward to our shoppers using the hyper-local fresh herbs available at the Urban Garden to garnish and add flavour to home-cooked meals.”
Herbs grown on the wall will be available in bunches for $3 each, with customers also able to take some home to continue growing them DIY style.
Originally published as ‘Locally grown’ has a whole new meaning for one Sydney Woolworths
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