The Navarre-based company Foodys, which together with Cocuus Iberica sl. is renowned for pioneering the launch of one of the world's first industrial plants for 3D plant-based meat alternatives through bio-printing, has announced a new €6M investment plan aimed at quadrupling the hydroponic cultivation area within its Agrotech business line, which is devoted to the cultivation and marketing of aromatic plants. "It is thus becoming Europe's largest producer of hydroponic basil" and is entering with force in the aromatic plant sector. This ambitious plan is a continuation of the investment plan launched by the company in 2023; a year in which it invested €1M to double its production capacity compared to 2022.
Foodys Agro is currently supplying basil to Spanish retailer Mercadona in Spain and Portugal, and is also a supplier for the horeca channel. It has a strong presence in 7 countries (Germany, France, the Netherlands, the UK, Sweden, Poland and Austria). With this announcement, Foodys Agro is moving forward with its growth plan while taking solid steps in automation and smart agronomic control. "It is undoubtedly a future-oriented bet for a booming market across the continent."
Foodys Agro S.L. belongs to Grupo Enhol, a Navarre corporation mainly devoted to renewable energies, and is addressing the challenges of food production with the strongest possible focus on sustainability and innovation. That's why "we are addressing one of the great global challenges, namely water scarcity. Thanks to our hydroponic technology, we are achieving 85% water saving and reducing the use of phytosanitary products by 99%, all through intense R&D development in systems and unique seed varieties. This allows a unique and differentiated production with high added value, produced in Europe 365 days a year," says David Otero, director of Foodys Herbs.
"The market for fresh aromatic herbs continues to grow in Europe, and with our projected growth plan, our goal is to supply Spanish production all year round while meeting the highest quality standards, thereby providing valuable alternatives to productions from Africa (Morocco and Kenya)," says David Otero.
"One of our main objectives is to communicate what we do and highlight the benefits it brings to the consumer, including the reduction in the use of most chemical treatments, and water saving through careful reuse. These are high-value and competitive developments in Europe," says Lucas Irisarri, marketing director of the firm.
For more information:
Grupo Foody's
Tel.: +34 948 681 436
[email protected]
www.somosfoodys.com