Advanced Container Technologies, Inc. announced that GrowPods - innovative modular hydroponic farms - can give grocers the ability to grow and sell ultra-clean and fresh strawberries and leafy greens such as lettuce, kale, and micro-greens, from a self-contained unit that can be located as nearby as the store's parking lot. According to Grocery Dive, Meijer Stores are using modular hydroponic farms to provide its stores with cut, leaf and whole head lettuce as well as for the chain's "Fresh from Meijer" ready-to-eat salad kits. Progressive Grocer reports that the Kroger Co.

"is taking farm-to-table to a whole new level" as it will provide customers with hydroponic produce right at the point of purchase. At Publix, the 40-foot container hydroponic farm sits in the parking lot. Customers can see the equivalent of three acres of traditional farmland through the container's windows.

It grows about 720 heads of lettuce each week, all sold in the store.