Futureproofing the Food System

Indoor farming’s moment of truth

30-Oct-2023 - Last updated on 07-Nov-2023 at 20:29 GMT

Vertical farms promised to reduce the distance traveled and environmental impact of food to get from farm to plate – and in doing so offer consumers fresher, more nutritious options and retailers more stable supply and a better ESG proposition. But with high development and maintenance costs, including massive infrastructure and expensive tech demands, the industry is teetering on the edge of the trough of disillusionment.

How should stakeholders in the nascent industry rethink their business models and offerings to lower their costs and improve their margins? What factors continue to fuel strategic investment and partnerships in the segment? And what is the value proposition for consumers?

Join Brendan Somerville, COO and co-founder, Oishii in the fireside chat, Indoor farming’s moment of truth hosted by Deniz Ataman, deputy editor, FoodNavigator-USA on Nov. 14. The discussion is part of Food Navigator-USA's three-day virtual summit, Futureproofing the Food System, on Nov. 14-16. To register and attend for free, click here.

Replicating Japan’s environmental conditions in its 74,000 square foot Jersey City, Nj vertical farm facility, Oishii cultivates its strawberry varietals, Omakase Berry and Koyo Berry, to exhibit an ultra-sweet taste profile and grown year-round. After the company started commercial sales in 2018, its strawberries have decreased significantly in price point while expanding to retailers like Whole Foods, highlighting the company’s ongoing efforts towards economical scalability within the sector.

Additionally, the company’s recent partnership with Japanese industrial robotics company, Yaskawa Electric Corp, will provide automation solutions to optimize scale output and reduce energy, water and resource usage.

The conversation will explore how Oishii is redefining indoor agriculture through its partnerships, investment strategies and sustainability goals, as well as a high-level discussion on how indoor agriculture can overcome its infrastructural barriers while providing cost-effective solutions for consumers.

Visit the Futureproofing the Food System event page for schedule details, to register and attend additional sessions for free on Nov. 14-16.