Smallhold, a leader in organic specialty mushrooms, has announced that its California-grown mushrooms will now be available at 192 Sprouts Farmers Markets locations across California, Arizona, and Nevada. This expansion increases the availability of Smallhold’s highly sought-after fresh mushrooms on the West Coast, joining other top retailers such as Whole Foods Market, Erewhon, Pavilions, Lassen’s, Imperfect Foods, Mother’s Market, and Ralphs. With this move, Smallhold mushrooms can now be found in over 650 retailers and restaurants across the United States.
Typically, the average US produce aisle is dominated by button, crimini, and portobello mushrooms, which overlooks the diverse range of fungi available. Smallhold addresses this by making specialty mushroom varieties, such as Lion’s Mane, Blue Oyster, Yellow Oyster, and King Oyster, more accessible on grocery store shelves. Their 34,000 sq ft farm in Vernon, California, which began delivering locally grown, USDA Certified Organic specialty mushrooms in May 2022, is part of the six-year-old company’s mission to change the perception of mushrooms nationwide.
“Consumers seek greater diversity and options in the produce aisle in today’s market. As a reputable grocer known for premium produce, Sprouts acknowledges this demand,” stated Andrew Carter, CEO and Co-founder of Smallhold. “Individuals are increasingly concerned about the effects of traditional agriculture, food waste, and climate change, and they prioritize low-impact, sustainably grown food. Smallhold and Sprouts are stepping up to meet this need.”
In addition to increasing access to a highly sustainable source of nutrition, Smallhold aims to use mushrooms to influence how people think about their environment, sustainability, and biodiversity. By carving out a new category in mushroom farming, Smallhold seeks to impact American eating habits significantly and aims to feed 3 million people in 2023.
Smallhold employ technology and innovation to ensure optimal growing conditions and sustainable practices. Their mushrooms are grown in advanced chambers designed to optimize yield, taste, and color. Furthermore, Smallhold mushrooms are cultivated using waste byproducts, primarily sawdust from the timber industry, and packaged in compostable cardboard. As a result, the company estimates that its annual carbon footprint is 750 metric tons more minor than animal proteins and 30% lower than other commercial mushroom farms.
Image provided by Smallhold
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