A vertical farm in Germany, however, is going more local and fresher still, with produce actually being grown in-store.

The "Kräuter Garten," as it is called at the METRO Cash & Carry where it is installed, was provided by its manufacturer INFARM, which has previously developed an origami-like mini-greenhouse. It is part of a pilot project in the Berlin district of Friedrichshain that will provide insight into the performance and feasibility of the product (usually called an INFARM itself), which INFARM hopes will contribute to its vision for the future in which cities are self-sufficient in their food production.

"We believe our food system should be de-centralize and production should get closer to the consumer," says founder and CEO of INFARM Erez Galonska. "This is essential in terms of the impact on the environment as well as for significantly improving the safety and quality of our food."