Since 2017, 26 Seasons vows to redefine the way fresh produce is grown, challenge the status quo of the agri-industry, and distribute its produce throughout New Zealand & Beyond. Currently, they produce a variety of micro-greens and strawberries in their 3 facilities in New Zealand.
Co-founded by Matthew Keltie, an agronomist with 20 years of experience in the agriculture sector working for various companies such as Pamu Farms, ABN Amro, and Rvendown Fertiliser, 26 Seasons now seeks to expand within New Zealand and in South East Asia as the demand for fresh produce expands.
South-East Asia & Oceania’s Indoor Vertical Farms Are Expanding
Indeed, many companies in the region are expanding. In Malaysia, Sunway X Farms produce food for more than 1,800 families wither over 15,000 kg of leafy greens grown and harvested in Sunway’s smart sustainable city in Kuala Lumpur. Their newest farm, expected to have a surface area of 37,000 sqft, is estimated to produce at least 13,000kg of fresh and pesticide-free vegetables per month. Now, The company plans on increasing its presence on 4 farming hubs throughout Malaysia totaling 1,000,000 sqft.
In Australia, Stacked Farm, has successfully raised A$56m to further the expansion of the business throughout Australia. The funding round was led by SeventyTwo Capital with participating investors including US-based Magnetar Capital and Stratos Capital, plus domestic groups Tribeca Investment Partners and Glen Richards and Paul Wilson’s Founder-led investments. The company plans two new vertical farms in the next year:
- Brisbane, QLD, Australia – Planned for 2023: a 5,000–7,000sqm fully automated commercial farm.
- Melbourne, VIC, Australia – Planned for 2023: a 5,000–7,000sqm fully automated commercial farm.
ZA Group, Inc. (OTC: ZAAG) recently announced that its subsidiary, E-Roots Manufacturing Inc, received a purchase order for USD 400,000 for the supply of the first two vertical farming modules to the company’s Australia and New Zealand partnership group—Eden Growers Pty Ltd.
