US: Urban greenhouse grower expands into romaine lettuce

Gotham Greens, which supplies its urban-grown greens year-round, are currently growing from four greenhouses—three in New York City and one in Chicago. Earlier this year it announced planned expansions of an additional 500,000 more square feet of greenhouses across 5 cities including a second Chicago location and a new 100,000 square foot greenhouse in Baltimore.

Also making news at Gotham Greens is the addition of romaine, one of the more popular leaf lettuces in the U.S., to its product line. “The rise in recent food born illnesses outbreaks coming from large scale farms has underscored the need for greater traceability and transparency in the supply chain. By owning and operating our own greenhouses, Gotham Greens can offer year-round supply chain reliability, transparency, and traceability.” Baum says. “Further, in the US, the vast majority of lettuces come from AZ and CA so by growing in regional Midwest and east coast greenhouses, we eliminate the environmental footprint and food waste linked to shipping produce long distances.”

Gotham Greens will certainly discuss its new romaine availability when it exhibits for the first time at the Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit, held this October 19-20 in Orlando, Fl. “This is definitely one of the larger produce shows for the U.S. As we’re getting ready to expand into other regions in the next year, we’re excited to get our products in front of a broader audience,” says Baum. She notes in addition to presenting its various lines of leaf lettuces and herbs, Gotham Greens will also exhibit its Gotham Foods offerings, which include pestos and salad dressings.