With a cultivation space of 250m2 in Barberà del Vallès, Groots produces around 30,000 plants per month, to match this production it would take 1 hectare of traditional crops.
"We cultivate in controlled environments using a cultivation technology based on a modular tower solution (Vertical Agriculture or Vertical Farming) in order to optimize the use of resources and maximize the quality of the plants. We have cultivated more than 50 varieties of plants, These include all kinds of lettuce, as well as red fruits, tomatoes and high value-added plants focused on other non-food industries (pharma & cosmetics)” says Alessandro Calcagno, a partner of the company.
Currently, the Groots products that can be found in the supermarket: are living plant cones, Mézclums (a mix of young salads) and aromatic herbs and Ready-to-eat vegan salad.
Grown in the supermarket, fresh at home
Groots installs growing units inside supermarkets (“Groots Hubs”) to make the benefits of vertical farming known to the public. “This offers the retailer an improved customer experience in-store and hyperlocal products harvested in the same store, which enhances its message of sustainability and commitment to proximity.
For the consumer, this represents total transparency in the product, from the seed to its harvest, and the consumption of a product of maximum freshness and quality”, comments the partner. And he adds that “we have installed 8 Groots Hubs that have had an excellent acceptance by customers and supermarkets. This 2022 we are going to continue with new Hubs in Catalonia and we will start with Madrid”.
Groots is found in 160 stores, distributing through online channels, and distribution chains such as Bonpreu, Alcampo, Plusfresc, Sorli, Ametller Origen, Veritas and Cal Fruitós. It will continue to innovate, since this year it launches a team dedicated exclusively to R&D with projects that range from the design of new hydroponic cultivation systems to the cultivation of exotic or high-value varieties, with the aim of promoting certain active ingredients, with applications in industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics or food extracts.
Continue reading at La VanGuardia (in Spanish)
