Crocus Labs has reported a significant improvement in energy efficiency during a vertical strawberry trial using its adaptive LED lighting system. The Berlin-based research company collaborated with a Japanese breeder to test a high-value strawberry variety, aiming to optimize flavor and yield under controlled conditions.
"We always believed that CEA makes sense only for higher-value crops," says Dr. Prashanth Makaram, CEO and founder of Crocus Labs. "Strawberries naturally align with that thinking. After we successfully achieved a 22% energy efficiency gain with the Elsanta variety using our light recipe, Japanese breeders approached us to test their genetics for the European market."
Japan is renowned for its high-end strawberry varieties, often cultivated for taste rather than yield. For Crocus Labs, the goal was to translate that premium quality into a vertical farm setting, where flavor, consistency, and operational sustainability must all coexist. "The Japanese variety we trialed is celebrated for its intense sweetness, delicate acidity, and rich aroma," Makaram says. "What makes it stand out in our setup is how precisely we can fine-tune the lighting spectrum to coax out those traits."
© Crocus Labs
Strawberries grown under Crocus Labs' dynamic lighting system, showing visible stages of ripening under controlled spectrum adjustments
Adaptive lighting as a flavor lever
Crocus Labs' proprietary four-channel dynamic lighting system lies at the core of their approach. The system can adjust spectral output in real time based on environmental feedback, allowing growers to adapt light quality and intensity throughout the crop cycle. This capability is particularly important when cultivating fruit with complex flavor profiles.
"Our plant-specific lighting systems are designed to deliver the exact spectrum and intensity required for strawberries," Makaram explains. "That level of precision is key to developing consistent flavor profiles." Recreating the environmental conditions this variety was used to in Japan proved a challenge. But the company's R&D farm, equipped with its latest sensor array and intelligent controllers, helped bridge the gap.
"Consistency is ensured through carefully calibrated light recipes that adapt to the specific needs of the plants throughout their growth cycle," he says. "And the results were consistent with what the breeder expected, which is something we're very proud of."
From internal trial to external consultancy
The success of the trial prompted Crocus Labs to expand its offering. The team is now providing consultancy services to growers looking to replicate the strawberry setup, particularly those targeting premium retail or export markets. "Perfect strawberries require precise light recipes, stable environmental conditions, and optimal nutrient delivery," Makaram says. "Our consultancy is about helping growers achieve all three, using technology that scales."
These services are tailored to regional conditions and infrastructure constraints. Whether it's a vertical farm in the UAE or a greenhouse in the Netherlands, Crocus Labs customizes light recipes and energy strategies to fit. "We work globally, but Asia is a key focus for us, especially given its strong appetite for quality-driven innovation in agriculture," he notes.
© Crocus Labs
Crocus Labs' adaptive lighting setup at the James Hutton Institute greenhouse, where the system is being tested on lettuce, basil, blueberries, and strawberries
Balancing quality and sustainability
Energy use remains a primary concern in vertical farming. For Crocus Labs, the trial also served as a benchmark for how to reduce that footprint without compromising quality. "Our plant-specific lighting systems are designed to deliver the exact spectrum and intensity required for strawberries," says Makaram. "That's how we got the 22% energy savings. When you scale that across hectares and harvest cycles, the impact becomes substantial."
He sees this as part of a larger industry shift. "The conversation is moving beyond just automation, it's about responsive systems that align with plant physiology and sustainability goals."
© Crocus Labs
Unripe and ripening strawberries at Crocus Labs' R&D facility
What's next for vertical strawberries?
Looking ahead, Makaram sees the future of strawberry production shaped by data-driven lighting, real-time feedback from plant sensors, and AI-assisted growing strategies. "We're not far from having systems that learn from each crop cycle and self-adjust for better results," he says. "That's the direction we're heading in."
For now, the company continues to refine its light recipes and build strategic partnerships with breeders, greenhouse builders, and vertical farm operators. "Our mission is to help others grow perfect strawberries in an energy-efficient way," Makaram says. "And we believe that starts with listening to the plant, then letting the light do the rest."
For more information:
Crocus Labs 
Dr. Prashanth Makaram, CEO and Co-founder
prash@crocuslabs.com
www.crocuslabs.com