Key Takeaways:
- Spread Co., Ltd. introduces Techno Fresh, a method doubling the shelf life of cut lettuce.
- Construction begins on Techno Fresh Hadano, a large-scale salad processing plant near Tokyo.
- Techno Fresh combines vertical farming with advanced processing for extended freshness.
- The method aims to combat food waste and reduce water usage and labor in Japan.
- Techno Fresh Hadano received the Best Crop Enhancement Award at the 2023 Vertical Farming World Awards.
Innovative Processing Method Developed With Spread Co.
Spread Co., Ltd. (website), headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, and led by CEO Shinji Inada, has made a significant breakthrough in the food processing industry. The company has developed the “Techno Fresh” processing method, which remarkably extends the shelf life of cut lettuce up to two times while maintaining its freshness, taste, and quality.
Techno Fresh Hadano: A Pioneering Facility
To capitalize on this innovative method, Spread has commenced construction of the first large-scale salad processing plant utilizing Techno Fresh – Techno Fresh Hadano, located near Tokyo. This facility represents a unique combination of vertically farmed lettuce and a dedicated processing design, setting a new standard for the shelf life of cut lettuce products in Japan.
Addressing Food Insecurity and Waste
Food insecurity and waste are pressing global issues. The new Techno Fresh method is particularly relevant in Japan, a country with stringent food expiration regulations. Spread’s initiative aims to combat the country’s significant food waste problem, as Japan ranks 14th globally in food waste, discarding over 8 million tons of food annually.
Technological Advancements in Salad Processing
Techno Fresh Hadano is set to become a next-generation automated salad processing plant, incorporating the latest AI and robotics technologies. This includes the world’s first AI-based lettuce core remover, with automation expected to enhance productivity significantly. The plant’s design focuses on resource efficiency, potentially reducing water usage by 55%.
Future Outlook and Awards
Scheduled to start operations in June 2024, Techno Fresh Hadano will produce and sell six types of cut lettuce under the INDOOR SALAD brand. Techno Fresh’s innovation and potential impact have been recognized internationally, with the method winning the Best Crop Enhancement category at the 2023 Vertical Farming World Awards in London.
Spread Co. Latest News
Spread Co Marks First Japanese Company to Sign Vertical Farming Manifesto (2023/07/20)
Spread Co., Ltd., a Kyoto-based vertical farming company, has become the first Japanese company to sign the Vertical Farming Manifesto and Identity Statement, a blueprint for reforming existing food systems. The Manifesto and Identity Statement emphasize the need for vertical farming to address societal and environmental concerns, collaborate with traditional agriculture, and align with global Sustainable Development Goals.
Achieves Milestone With Sales Of Lettuce Exceeding 100M Servings (2023/05/16)
Spread Co., Ltd., a Kyoto-based company, has sold over 100 million servings of its indoor leaf lettuce brand, Vegetus, in November 2022. Vegetus, developed under the company’s “Sustainable Vegetable” concept, offers nutritious, healthy, and environmentally friendly lettuce. The company has continuously innovated cultivation technology and operational improvements, focusing on indoor hydroponic cultivation for pesticide-free, natural-tasting lettuce. Spread has also launched sustainable products like “Chigiri” and “Stick Lettuce.”
Nets “Largest FoodTech Deal of Japan” (2022/08/02)
Spread Co., Ltd. secured $30 million in a Series A round, the largest in the Japanese food tech ecosystem. The company, based in Kyoto, has gained expertise in plant cultivation for 15 years, starting with lettuce production at Kameoka Plant in 2007. It now focuses on producing high-quality, pesticide-free strawberries and researching alternative meat. Spread aims to create a sustainable society and expand globally.
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