by Nissa Hanna
WHAT’S HAPPENING
- In 2007 we told you about New York-based grocery chain Wegmans selling produce grown on its 50-acre organic farm. Now the Bi-Rite Market in San Francisco is shrinking the concept for its own store (SFGate.com 10.8.08).
- The small grocer grows produce like Romano beans, arugula and heirloom tomatoes on one-third of an acre in nearby Sonoma County.
- Other edibles like apples, blueberries, figs and pears come from the owner’s parents’ ranch in the Sierra Foothills.
- The market has other fresh concepts in store; it maintains a rooftop herb garden and butchers its own hogs.
WHAT THIS MEANS TO BUSINESS
- Freshness, safety and sustainability are food issues that are on the minds of many shoppers. Locally produced fruits and veggies grown in grocer-controlled gardens offer consumers seasonal edibles and a better sense of security.
- Bi-Rite Market’s efforts show that even smaller grocers can offer garden-fresh goods.
RESOURCES
- Bi-Rite Market: 3639 18th Street, San Francisco, CA; 415-241-9760
