Key Takeaways
- Oishii debuts its Koyo Berry in Toronto, expanding into the Canadian market
- Available at all Fortinos locations and select fine grocers
- Grown pesticide-free in indoor smart farms and Non-GMO
- Valentine’s Day pop-up and multiple restaurant collaborations announced
- Expansion supports Oishii’s year-round premium produce strategy
Oishii Introduces Koyo Berry to Canadian Retail and Culinary Market
Oishii, the company behind what it describes as the world’s largest strawberry smart farm, has officially launched in Toronto with the Canadian debut of the Koyo Berry, a premium Japanese strawberry varietal.
The Koyo Berry is now available across all Fortinos locations and other fine grocers in the Greater Toronto Area. The company stated that additional retail expansion is expected. Oishii also announced collaborations with Toronto venues including Miku, Andrea’s Cookies, Belle Isle, and KWENTO, where the Koyo Berry will be featured in limited-time menu offerings.
Oishii’s strawberries are grown indoors using controlled-environment agriculture without pesticides. The company reports that the berries are Non-GMO and consistently sweet, with a fully red interior from tip to stem. Because they are grown pesticide-free indoors, the berries do not require washing before consumption.
Hiroki Koga, Co-Founder and CEO of Oishii, said: “We are proud to introduce the Koyo Berry to the Canadian market and to partner with trusted retailers and culinary leaders to make it easier for Canadians to experience premium produce that consistently delivers on quality flavour, season after season.”
Oishii Announces Valentine’s Day Activation and Chef Collaborations
To celebrate the launch, Oishii will host a Valentine’s Day pop-up on February 14 in front of Minami in downtown Toronto, offering complimentary trays of Koyo Berries, flowers, and custom Valentine’s Day cards while supplies last.
Chef Aiko Uchigoshi of Miku will feature the Koyo Berry in a limited-time shortcake dessert. “Because Koyo is so delicate and juicy, I can use the berries whole between layers of sponge and cream so they melt seamlessly into the cake,” said Uchigoshi.
Additional collaborations include a Chocolate Oishii Berry Cookie at Andrea’s Cookies, a tea cake set at KWENTO, and a rice pudding dessert at Belle Isle.
Oishii Expands Smart Farming Model Internationally
Oishii stated that its mission is to blend nature with advanced indoor farming technology to grow premium produce year-round. The Toronto launch represents the company’s continued international expansion strategy, bringing its smart farm-grown strawberries to new markets while maintaining consistent quality and supply across seasons.
1 Comment