Woolworths launches Australia's first in-store vertical farm

Woolworths customers in Sydney will now be able to see their herbs growing in an Australian first for the supermarket giant.

Woolworths Metro has partnered with AgTech startup InvertiGro to launch the in-store vertical farm at the supermarket's Metro Park Sydney Village store in Erskineville.

Dubbed "The Urban Garden", shoppers will be able to see the "InvertiWall" vertical farm in action, with commonly-used herbs basil, mint, coriander and parsley available for sale at $3 per bunch.

Woolworths' InvertGro farming solution reduces food wastage

"We are delighted to be partnering with Australia's 'Fresh Food People' to deliver a hyper-local, nutritious and flavoursome herb range whilst also introducing shoppers to the benefits of indoor vertical farming for both consumers and our planet," said InvertiGro co-founder Paul Millett.

Before transporting them to the store, the herbs begin their life at the InvertiGro indoor farm in Rosebery, less than two kilometres away. Some will be immediately available for sale, while others will continue to grow in the store's fruit and vegetable section.

Mr Millet explained that by growing their herbs close to the store, InvertiGro "reduces food wastage" by decreasing the amount of food lost in transport and handling.

Meanwhile, InvertGro also reduces waste once consumers take the herbs home, as the living herbs and the packaging are both 100 per cent recyclable.

• Coles, Woolworths address shocking images of avocado 'waste'

• Coles praised for produce innovation amid calls for wider change

• Australia's 'greenest' supermarket: How Coles beat rival Woolworths

'A greener future'

Woolworths Metro Director Justin Nolan said the InvertiWall solution marks a significant step toward creating a better, greener Australia for future generations.

"This is a great opportunity for Metro Park Sydney Village customers to connect with the provenance of their produce and an exciting platform for Woolworths Metro to create greater awareness for innovative Australian farming methods, helping us grow a greener future," he said.

"Metro Park Sydney 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."

The herbs, sold as living plants in 100 per cent recyclable paper-based packaging, will also be available from Woolworths Metro Double Bay later this month.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.