What Makes Kroger's Latest Egg Partnership A World-First
Going to the grocery store gives you a lot of time to think. Whether picturing all of the delicious meals you'll soon make, strategizing how to get out of there as fast as possible, or imagining another time and place through an audiobook or podcast, grocery shopping can easily turn into more than just a chore but a moment for deeper thought.
But, have you ever thought about where the food you're buying actually comes from? If you shop at Kroger, maybe it's time to. The grocery chain just announced a first in the world partnership with a Netherlands-based farm, Kipster Farms, to bring a specific type of eggs to U.S. shelves. Both companies have pledged that these eggs will advance the health of people, animals, and the planet (Via Winsight Grocery Business). It's a pretty big promise, so what makes these eggs so special? And why is this partnership a world-first? Keep reading for all the details.
The egg partnership will bring carbon-neutral, cage-free eggs to retail shelves in the U.S.
Announced in a press release in early December, Kroger's in-house brand, Simple Truth, forged an exclusive partnership with Kipster Farms to bring the first carbon-neutral, cage-free eggs to retail shelves in the U.S. "These Simple Truth and Kipster eggs will be produced in a closed-loop system that aligns with the highest health and welfare standards for people and animals. These sustainable, zero-waste eggs reflect yet another milestone in Kroger's Zero Hunger | Zero Waste mission to help create communities free of hunger and waste," Brad Studer, senior director, Our Brands for Kroger, said.
Carbon neutrality, a growing pledge from many companies, refers to the practice of finding methods to reduce carbon emissions by the same amount of carbon that is emitted in another way (Via CNET). The Kipster Farms system gives animals feed made from the surplus of bakeries and other food suppliers, according to the press release. Among other initiatives, the farm is also powered by solar panels.
Kroger announced that one of its long-standing egg partners, MPS Egg Farms in Indiana, just started production on the first production facility using the proprietary Kipster system. The eggs are expected to hit select stores in late 2022. Speaking of the partnership, Studer said, "Simple Truth is excited to partner with the innovative team at Kipster to further elevate our brand's purpose to be a force for good."