Key Takeaways:
- Emirates Flight Catering has fully acquired Emirates Bustanica, formerly Emirates Crop One, marking a significant shift towards enhancing the UAE’s food and water security.
- The acquisition establishes Emirates Bustanica as a wholly UAE-owned entity, aiming to leverage local expertise and advanced technology to meet increasing market demands.
- Bustanica, the world’s largest indoor vertical farm, can produce over 1 million kilograms of leafy greens annually, using 95% less water than traditional farming methods.
- The produce from Bustanica is available across major UAE retailers and is served on Emirates and other airlines, highlighting its widespread acceptance and integration into the local food ecosystem.
Emirates Flight Catering, one of the globe’s most extensive catering services, has recently taken a significant step by fully acquiring Emirates Bustanica and its consumer brand, Bustanica, previously known as Emirates Crop One. This move solidifies Emirates Bustanica’s position as a fully UAE-owned company and aligns with the nation’s strategic vision to boost food and water security and enhance its agricultural capabilities.
Strategic Implications of the Acquisition
The complete acquisition of Emirates Bustanica by Emirates Flight Catering is a strategic decision with far-reaching implications. It underscores the UAE’s commitment to adopting innovative solutions for food production, emphasizing sustainability and self-sufficiency. The move allows Emirates Bustanica to fully utilize local expertise and technological advancements to cater effectively to the market’s growing demands.
Bustanica: Revolutionizing Agriculture
Located strategically near Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central, Bustanica’s 330,000 sqft facility is the world’s largest indoor vertical farm. With the capability to produce more than 1 million kilograms of high-quality leafy greens annually, the vertical farm sets a new standard in sustainable agriculture. The farm’s innovative approach allows for producing 3 tonnes of greens daily, utilizing 95% less water than traditional farming methods. This demonstrates the potential for vertical farming to revolutionize food production and highlights the UAE’s leadership in adopting sustainable agricultural practices.
The Reach of Bustanica’s Produce
Operating under the brand name Bustanica, the farm’s produce has quickly become a staple in the UAE’s food market. Available across all major retailers, including Spinney’s, Waitrose, Carrefour, and Choithrams, Bustanica’s leafy greens, herbs, and microgreens are a testament to the farm’s success and the quality of its produce. Furthermore, Emirates and other airlines serve the vertical farm’s farm-fresh produce, ensuring passengers enjoy the freshest salads and meals during their flights. This widespread availability underscores the brand’s integration into the local food ecosystem and its contribution to enhancing the culinary experience in the UAE.
A Sustainable Future
Since its inception in July 2022, Bustanica has become a key player in the UAE’s agricultural scene, offering a wide range of pesticide-free, nutrient-rich produce. The acquisition by Emirates Flight Catering reinforces the commitment to sustainability and food security and sets a precedent for the future of agriculture in the region. As the vertical farm continues to grow and expand its offerings, it stands as a beacon of innovation and sustainability in the UAE’s pursuit of agricultural excellence.
Image provided by Bustanica
