Zipgrow announces partnership with Sodexo

Zipgrow and Sodexo have launched a partnership to develop more sustainable local food chains throughout North America. Sodexo has joined forces with ZipGrow Inc. to develop a unique program to introduce sustainable growing systems to facilities throughout Canada and the United States of America. One of Sodexo’s primary goals is to ensure all our operations are sustainable.  

“This new partnership with ZipGrow Inc. not only enables us to reduce our carbon emissions of distance traveled for a food source, onsite food waste, and packaging requirements, but also to introduce innovative technology to our facilities and team members,” said Normand St-Gelais, Director of Corporate Responsibility, Sodexo Canada.

ZipGrow™ technology is a patented system that utilizes both hydroponic growing systems and vertical planes to maximize production volume within a small footprint. Primarily growing leafy greens such as lettuce and kale, along with herbs and small fruiting crops such as strawberries, ZipGrow systems will be installed in Sodexo locations including educational institutions, conference facilities, and corporate foodservice centers. 

“Having been installed throughout the world over the past decade, our system enables growers, both big and small, to access fresh produce no matter where they are located,” explains Eric Lang, President of ZipGrow Inc. “We are excited to move ahead with this new partnership with Sodexo. Together we will be able to introduce sustainable food to Sodexo locations throughout North America.”

“As a Chef, we are always looking for ways to introduce the freshest possible produce to our kitchens,” said Chef Davide Del Brocco, Sustainability Manager, Sodexo Canada. “By having a grow system on-site, we can now not only customize our produce to meet our upcoming needs, but we can also now harvest fresh greens and use them that same day.”

“Having like-minded partners like ZipGrow who understand what is important to us and who are aligned with our values and goals is crucial in working together for a Better Tomorrow," said Andrea Cantin, Corporate Social Responsibility Coordinator, Sodexo Canada. With Sodexo and ZipGrow Inc. both having company values strongly embedded in sustainability, this new partnership will see this innovative agriculture technology being introduced to multiple Sodexo facilities in Canada and the US. 

Sodexo 
www.sodexo.com