EGYPT – Egyptian based hydroponic farming company, Hydro Farms, has secured funding from a group of angel investors from the Gulf Region, to enable it to expand into additional markets and launch new products.
With roots in the Egyptian hydroponic farming sector since 2012, Hydro Farms is one of the first to implement the technology in the country through extensive research and development.
“We started this 8 years ago, now is the time to take it to the next level!” said Adel El Shentenawy, founder of Hydro Farms.
With the new investment, Hydro Farms’ first step would be to release Peret, an exclusive line of fresh produce in Egypt’s premium grocery franchise, Gourmet.
The range will feature an array of heirloom tomatoes such as San Marzano, Chocolate Tomatoes and Golden Sweet as well as a new range of exotic peppers and chili peppers with a promise of more exciting varieties.
Hydro Farms is currently growing 30+ varieties of produce mostly of leafy greens.
In addition, the farm is also seeking to expand its market to reach the shelves of international grocery stores.
Hydro Farms also plans to play a larger role in the community, with a particular focus on educational events that start with school trips to enlighten children on the importance of sustainable agriculture, participation in wellness retreats to encourage people to grow their own produce at home and trips to the farm to reveal the level of technology currently reached by Hydro Fermes.
Now more than ever, the whole world needs to divert their farming methods in order to become more eco-friendly especially when it comes to water consumption.
According to reports by Grandview research, the global hydroponics market size was valued at US$1.33 billion in 2018 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.52% from 2019 to 2025.
Hydroponically grown crops use 90% less water compared to traditional methods as well as a great shrink in land size and growing more food with higher quality and much fewer resources.
Increasing awareness among consumers regarding the effects of pesticides and artificial ripening agents over their health is expected to drive the demand for hydroponics, as the method eliminates the need for such products, thereby providing nutritionally superior vegetables.
Low installation cost and ease of operation of these systems are also expected to boost the adoption in near future.
Liked this article? Subscribe to Food Business Africa News, our regular email newsletters with the latest news insights from Africa and the World’s food and agro industry. SUBSCRIBE HERE
