#FreshDirect #FischerFarms #verticalfarming #supplychainsustainability #locallygrownproduce #foodserviceindustry #sustainableagriculture
Produce supplier Fresh Direct, a key player in the UK hospitality sector, has joined forces with Fischer Farms, a leading pioneer in vertical farming, to introduce a range of British-grown herbs and leafy greens to its foodservice customers. This strategic partnership aims to enhance supply chain sustainability by reducing the need for long-distance transportation of produce. By offering high-quality, locally-produced fresh produce, the collaboration seeks to revolutionize the foodservice industry while addressing environmental concerns related to air freight and food miles.
Fresh Direct will now feature a selection of vertically farmed fresh produce, including popular choices such as basil and watercress, grown within Fischer Farms’ cutting-edge biosecure vertical farm located in Norwich. Emphasizing the importance of producing closer to home, this partnership promises chefs a delightful experience with the freshness, taste, and quality of the produce.
Vertical farming provides a solution to several logistical challenges currently faced by the food industry, including crop quality and availability, while also addressing environmental issues like excessive food miles and reliance on overseas imports. Fischer Farms’ impressive vertical farm spans an area equivalent to 825 football pitches and functions as an all-season, climate-controlled growing environment. This means that even amidst extreme external weather conditions that could cause shortages in imported crops, Fischer Farms can continue to produce high-quality British-grown crops, independently and sustainably.
By leveraging the power of renewable energy and employing controlled cultivation processes, Fischer Farms can operate with significantly lower land and water usage, eliminating the need for harmful pesticides, herbicides, or insecticides. This approach not only ensures a consistent supply of fresh produce but also promotes environmental stewardship.
Tom Bartlett, trading manager at Fresh Direct, believes that the partnership with Fischer Farms will set new industry standards by offering year-round quality and consistency. Moreover, the produce will exhibit superior freshness and taste as it no longer needs to withstand the challenges of an arduous and complex supply chain.
Jon Cummings, sales director at Fischer Farms, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the substantial reduction in travel distance for traditionally grown herbs. The latest advancements in vertical farming technology enable the production of the freshest and highest quality produce throughout the year, fulfilling chefs’ preferences and requirements. By simplifying the supply chain and embracing innovative farming techniques, this collaboration aims to create a more resilient and sustainable foodservice industry across the UK.
Both Fresh Direct and Fischer Farms commit to providing regular updates on the environmental benefits achieved through vertical farming. The anticipated positive outcomes of this partnership make it a crucial step towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future for the foodservice sector in the UK.
