Smallhold Mushrooms Furthers National Expansion With Whole Foods Market; Andrew Carter and Eric Cusimano Share
NEW YORK, NY - Make room for the mushrooms! That is what shoppers will be chanting in Whole Foods Market stores as they watch Smallhold’s products land on shelves. The supplier recently announced that its mushrooms are rolling out nationally at Whole Foods.
“Whole Foods Market was one of the first retailers to ever support Smallhold and has been incredible to collaborate with ever since,” said Andrew Carter, Smallhold Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder. “I am beyond proud of our team for building our farms and operations to get to this point. We’ve come a long way since installing our first Smallhold Minifarm at the Bridgewater, New Jersey, Whole Foods Market back in 2018.”
According to a press release, this expansion marks the first time Smallhold mushrooms are available nationwide. Smallhold’s Blue Oyster Mushrooms, Lion’s Mane Mushrooms, and Umami Mushroom Packs can now be found in nearly every major metropolitan area in the United States, with over 1,000 retailers and restaurants on board.
Smallhold has been a pioneer in the specialty mushroom space since 2017, popularizing harder-to-find varieties through a unique mix of branding prowess, distribution expertise, and the application of key technologies. Its multiple farms are embedded in communities and provide access to both new flavors and soil amendments through its unique “substrate to soil” programs.
“We are so proud to introduce Smallhold and their specialty mushrooms to Whole Foods Market customers nationwide. Smallhold’s diverse range of varietals and commitment to quality, freshness, and environmental efforts are just a few reasons why we are thrilled to work with them to help transform the produce aisle and food industry,” said Eric Cusimano, Global Produce Buyer at Whole Foods.
Smallhold uses patented technology and innovation for optimal growing, the release noted. The mushrooms grow on substrate in growing chambers designed to optimize yield, taste, and color without any additional chemicals or pesticides. Its centralized sensor system captures over 1 million data points per day and can adjust the chambers’ atmospheric parameters, controlling all the inputs while accounting for changes in climate.
I myself have been wanting to try these unique mushroom varieties, so you might catch me at the local Whole Foods very soon.
