The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) today announced it is awarding $2.66 million to Edible Gardens AG for re-development of the former Natural Shrimp facility at 401 Des Moines St., Webster City.

Previously, the building was home to Vero Blue, and before that, was a warehouse for Electrolux Laundry Products’ Webster City laundry appliances.

Edible Gardens recently signed a 3-year lease with the building’s owner, Utah-based Streeterville Capital LLC. It is believed the $2.6mm grant will be added to additional investment by Edible Gardens for an extensive re-working of the Webster City facility to repurpose it for production as “a new, large-scale, technology-driven, ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage production hub,” according to information received from Edible Gardens today.

According to the press release from Edible Gardens AG, the new factory and product will transform Edible Gardens “beyond cultivation and into value-added food and beverage manufacturing,” according to the company. Iowa is a national leader in value-added agricultural products, so the new business is a good fit for the state’s aggressive economic development policies and goals.

The Webster City factory will “focus on producing shelf-stable, plant-and dairy-based protein beverages using advanced precision processing, automation, and sustainable production methods aligned with the company’s zero-waste inspired approach,” again quoting from a statement by Edible Gardens in today’s news release.

Americans spent nearly $11 billion on protein supplement products in 2025, according to Fortune magazine. Other estimates put the market at far larger, perhaps nearly $30 billion.

However large, the market is growing rapidly, driven by millennial and Gen Z consumers.

Although medical experts don’t agree how much protein is needed on a daily basis, the covid pandemic seemed to focus widespread attention on immunity and resiliency, with large increases in protein powder sales during the pandemic years.

Edible Gardens has secured a major launch customer for its protein drinks, which will now be developed, produced and distributed from Webster City. According to information Edible Gardens supplied to the City Council of Webster City at its meeting on April 6, it is estimating a minimum of 42 new jobs, and a total investment locally of $75 million.