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The quest for sustainability has never been more pressing in a rapidly urbanizing world. This edition delves into the transformative power of hyper-local urban farming, spotlighting the innovators and visionaries shaping the future of food production in our cities.
Our cover story explores Asia’s burgeoning urban farming movement and its ripple effects worldwide. It’s a testament to how local initiatives can inspire global change.
We are thrilled to feature Angie King and her transition from the automotive industry to establishing King Tower Farm, which is a remarkable journey of passion and innovation redefining urban agriculture.
Our stories on Growy and Urban Crop Solutions introduce you to the pioneers pushing the boundaries of vertical farming, offering sustainable solutions for urban food production.
We also examined how DiStar Fresh is revolutionizing Thailand’s urban landscape and how Singapore EXPO is setting the stage for hosting sustainable events and food catering.
Mathew Howe of Grobrix shares his insights on Singapore’s ambitious goal to produce 30 percent of its nutritional needs locally by 2030. It’s an inspiring look at how nations can achieve sustainable goals.
In our special feature, we delve into the cutting-edge developments in food technology that promise to revolutionize our food systems through the visions of Nurasa.
Rick Holland, Regional Managing Director APAC – Water Utility & Executive Director Grundfos Australia shares his insights into how sustainable agriculture can leverage solar power.
Finally, we give you our special report on FOOMA JAPAN, celebrating the technological advancements in food machinery that are making waves globally.
Thank you for joining us on this journey through the evolving landscapes of urban farming. We hope these stories inspire you to think differently about the food we grow and consume and the innovative paths we can take toward a sustainable future.
Nurturing stories from the root,
Cath Isabedra
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ADM’s spore-forming probiotic DE111 receives approval from the
ADM (NYSE: ADM), a global leader in innovative solutions from nature, today announced that spore-forming probiotic DE111™* (Bacillus subtilis) has received official approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), a part of the Australian Department of Health. This extends DE111™’s availability into new regions**, following the recent approval from the National Health Commission (NHC) in China.
“This is an important milestone for ADM, as it marks the first Bacillus subtilis strain to be approved by the TGA in Australia,” said Helen Hu, president of health & wellness APAC at ADM. “By expanding access to DE111™, we’re facilitating new innovation possibilities for our Australian customers, enabling the development of pioneering gut health-supporting products. Additionally, the continued
approval of DE111 ™ by important government authorities demonstrates its high quality, safety and alignment with strict regulatory standards.”
Clinically documented results show that DE111™
• Supports digestive health and helps support healthy immune function.
• Can survive through the stomach and germinate in the small intestine.
• Can support a healthy gastrointestinal (GI) tract, gut function, and microbiome diversity.
“DE111 ™ is a spore-forming probiotic, which means it can withstand harsh formulation environments that may otherwise damage conventional probiotics. This robustness is paving the way for new, convenient, and enjoyable foods, beverages, and dietary
supplements that meet people where they are on their wellness journeys, especially as more consumers make the connection between their gut and digestive health and other aspects of well-being,” continued Hu.
In Australia, 81 percent of consumers recognize a link between digestive health and overall well-being, and 76 percent specifically see a connection between their digestive health and immune function5. Plus, 64 percent of Australian consumers state that they have used probiotics/cultures to address digestive health concerns over the past 12 months. Simultaneously, the Australian probiotic supplement market is anticipated to grow, with Euromonitor reporting a forecasted CAGR of 2.7 percent between 2023 and 20286.
For more information about DE111 ™ and ADM’s microbiome solutions library, please visit www.adm.com/en-us/ products-services/human-nutrition/ products/microbiome-solutions/.
*DE111® is a trademark of Deerland Probiotics & Enzymes, Inc. in the US and other countries.
**Local regulations must be reviewed to confirm the permissibility of ingredients for each food category.
Pre-clinical study with Pomanox® shows beneficial effects on metabolism after fructose consumption and reduced risk of obesity-related harm
A recently published pre-clinical study reveals the potential effects of pomegranate extract supplementation on the health issues associated with high fructose consumption. In an animal model, Pomanox® from botanical ingredients producer Euromed was able to counteract lipid deposition, dyslipidemia, and fatty liver. Therefore, it could work synergistically with pharmacological treatments aimed at controlling obesity, liver steatosis, and metabolic syndrome.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and obesity are major non-communicable diseases with high mortality rates worldwide. While dietary sugars are known to be responsible for insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, the underlying pathophysiological effects of sustained fructose consumption require further clarification. The recent study aimed to elucidate both the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology associated with fructose intake and the effect of punicalagin-rich
Pomanox® from Euromed as a nutritional strategy to alleviate fructose-induced metabolic impairments. The researchers hypothesized that punicalagin and ellagic acid from dietary pomegranate could counteract the harm caused by both obesity and liver damage.
Therefore, nineteen Wistar rats were supplemented with either 30 percent fructose in drinking water or 30 percent fructose solution plus 0.2 percent Pomanox® for ten weeks. The results were compared to those from a control group provided with pure drinking water. As expected, fructose promoted an increase in fat depots, hepatic fat content, and glycoxidative stress, as well as inflammatory and immunological responses in the rats that consumed fructose in drinking water for 10 weeks. In contrast, Pomanox® supplementation decreased fat depots, counteracted the dyslipidemia caused by fructose, and improved markers of liver injury, including steatosis. It could thus be a
useful supplement to pharmacological therapies aimed at controlling obesity, fatty liver, and metabolic syndrome.
Andrea Zangara, Head of Scientific Communication and Medical Affairs at Euromed, explains:
Fructose consumption has increased in recent decades, despite the efforts of governments and health organisations to alert people to the health risks linked to sustained sugar intake. Metabolic syndrome, obesity, dyslipidemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, diabetes mellitus and cardiometabolic diseases are just a few examples of fructose-induced health problems. The current study, which received no funding from Euromed, is part of a comprehensive investigation into the efficacy of punicalagin-rich pomegranate extract in mitigating the adverse metabolic effects associated with various ailments, including diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and cardiovascular diseases.
Precision, reliability, product quality: KHS conversion at Brökelmann Oelmühle proves convincing
• Packer converted to palletizer in record time
• Performance boosted by line modernization
• Further new investment underlines customer satisfaction
Convincing all-round service from KHS: Brökelmann + Co – Oelmühle GmbH + Co from Hamm in Germany’s North Rhine-Westphalia has recently successively renewed its production shop. The Dortmund systems provider played a major role in the undertaking, not least in the complex conversion of a large tray packer to an Innopal RK palletizer. Modernizing the machine park has brought the mill further benefits in the form of energy savings, improved product quality, and higher palletizing capacities. The biggest challenge of the project was the tight schedule.
The experts from KHS had just three weeks in which to carry out the ambitious conversion. This was the time frame specified by Brökelmann Oelmühle, a cooking oil bottler founded way back in 1845 that primarily distributes
to discounters and produces its own brands for supermarkets. In anticipation of the period needed to modernize its dry section, the company had specifically built up stock so that it could continue to cater to existing demands just in time.
“A break in production would severely disrupt our tight schedule and logistic processes. Reliability and availability thus always play a significant role for us,” explains Uwe Barthel, head of Filling at Brökelmann Oelmühle, referring to both the machine technology and service with regard to the availability of parts, for instance. In both areas, KHS was once again able to prove convincing with its wealth of expertise.
The oil mill had originally planned to procure a new palletizer. The existing competitor machine built in 1994 was showing its age and proving deficient
in the accuracy of layer formation on the pallet, for example. An increasing number of boxes were also being damaged during conveying onto the palletizer. In short, the quality was no longer satisfactory. In close cooperation with KHS’ service personnel, Brökelmann eventually decided to follow their recommendation and have an efficient palletizing system engineered using existing KHS equipment. The cooking oil producer has namely relied on KHS machinery for decades now, both for its stretch blow molding technology and its wrap-around packer for boxes and large trays. Until very recently, it was still using the latter to pack 1.0-liter PET bottles onto trays for one of its customers. Since removing this packing formation from its portfolio, the large tray packer has been idle, however. “The machine gave us great performance and was extremely reliable – and thus convincing. We were very satisfied with it up to the end and
greatly appreciate KHS’ durable systems and solutions,” says Barthel.
This was one of the reasons why those responsible decided to again place their trust in the experts from Dortmund and ultimately agreed to have their large tray packer converted into a palletizer. This sustainable solution met two challenges at the same time: firstly, their old and rather temperamental palletizer was replaced by the now redundant, converted large tray packer. A joint concept was drawn up and a setup planned so that the dismantling and reinstallation of the various components and robots could be completed within the given time frame. As a result, production was quickly resumed within just over two weeks. Modernization centered on the KUKA robots that were converted for palletizing applications. Thanks to
its system of proactive discontinuation management, as a second measure, KHS was also able to replace the control units. “As a turnkey supplier, we find it very important to provide our customers with close support and work with them in partnership. We thus also take suitable steps well in advance in our conversion program, allowing us to continue to install operationally reliable machines with comparable components,” states Olaf Schütt, who supervised the project as local service manager for KHS.
Furthermore, KHS has improved the quality of the bottler’s palletizing operations. To this end, an Innopal RG grouping robot was installed at the infeed. This forms packs for palletizing robot Innopal RK into the respective layers needed on the pallet. “With the optimized gripper head, the customer can now palletize and position packs with much greater precision. Conversion has also optimized the dimensional stability of the pallets in general,” Schütt claims. More flexible positioning is also possible. This provides benefits at the point of sale, for the containers are placed on the pallet as they are to be ultimately presented in the supermarket. Optimized interlocking of the layers is another plus that makes them easier to transport. “The pallets are now much more stable and can’t fall over, which increases safety,”
Schütt emphasizes Barthel confirms this. “The quality of the layer patterns has greatly improved. The boxes are exactly positioned on the pallets and can no longer shift out of place.”
Besides keeping to the tight schedule, boosting the palletizer capacity was a
further criterion that had to be met. In the course of the full modernization of the PET line, an older filler was first replaced. With the focus on the 1.0-liter bottle format, the entire system and thus also the performance of the dry section had to be increased. The previous array output was up to 2,900 packs an hour; this has now been raised to a maximum of 3,300 packs per hour and can be expanded up to 3,500 packs by adding an extra grouping robot.
Brökelmann was so pleased with its new technology, the cooperation between all those involved, and the implementation of the project in general that on completion of the line modernization, it decided to invest in a new KHS stretch blow molder as well: the InnoPET Blomax Series V. As with the converted palletizer, no official performance test was run, and the machine was started up immediately. “Everything went perfectly without any problems,” smiles Barthel. Customer satisfaction was further increased by the lower energy consumption throughout the entire line, which, according to the head of Filling Barthel, has been cut by up to 30 percent – chiefly thanks to KHS’ cutting-edge stretch blow molding technology. Full of praise, he concludes that “all specifications were met for both projects and even surpassed.
The planning, support and personal cooperation were unique; all work was geared towards meeting objectives and getting results. We also profited from round-the-clock support during commissioning – something not every engineering company provides.”
The large photovoltaic system built by Sidel at their Parma plant has become fully operational, enabling the site to satisfy 40 percent of its electricity needs and cut its CO2 emissions by 871 tons/ year, equal to the amount absorbed by 43,500 trees. It is one of the largest corporate photovoltaic systems in Emilia-Romagna, which, thanks to its 5,000 solar panels, is able to produce 2,900 MWh of electricity, equal to the yearly consumption of more than 1,000 Parma households.
Sidel plans to invest about 5 million euros in Parma for the energy transition, accompanying the construction of the photovoltaic system with other important initiatives to help achieve the sustainability goals set for the three-year period 2022-2024 by the company, the world’s leading provider of packaging solutions for beverages, food, and
personal and household care products in PET, cans, glass, and other materials.
“Our environmental commitment is at the heart of all our activities. Indeed, we make our contribution to environmental protection by innovating and developing sustainable solutions to reduce CO2 emissions,” commented Francesca Bellucci, Sustainability Director of the Sidel Group. “Our decarbonization strategy aims for a 50 percent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions – those resulting from our operations and energy consumption – by 2030. This goal has already been achieved: we reduced our emissions by 75 percent in 2023 compared to 2019. The full implementation of the photovoltaic system in Parma allows us to take another important step towards achieving the goal of zero net emissions across our entire value chain by 2050.”
All Sidel’s production sites worldwide, including the Parma site, are certified according to the ISO 14001 environmental
management system. With this certification, Sidel has adopted a system that enables it to achieve a continuous reduction in its global environmental footprint. By integrating sustainability principles into its operations, the company aims not only to reduce its carbon footprint but also to improve its operational efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness.
“We are particularly proud to have put the entire system into operation, providing the plant with self-generated clean energy,” commented Riccardo Rosselli, VP Global Sites & Facility Management at Sidel Group and Site Leader of the Parma site. “This is a very important step towards achieving our environmental sustainability goals for the headquarters and the plant, which are also in line with the sustainability targets that the city of Parma aims to accomplish by 2030. I would like to thank all Sidel employees who have worked hard over the past year to turn an ambitious project into reality.”
ofi achieves industry first with Rainforest Alliance certification for almonds in US
Landmark achievement gives food brands and consumers additional assurances in the responsible sourcing of ofi’s California almonds.
ofi (olam food ingredients), a global leader in naturally good food and beverage ingredients, has earned America’s first Rainforest Alliance certification for its California orchards,
underscoring the company’s extensive sourcing and sustainability capabilities.
As one of the world’s largest almond growers with orchards in California and Australia, ofi’s certification is good news for makers and consumers of almond-based food and drink products, from cereal bars and trail mixes to milk alternatives and flours. It not only demonstrates responsible almond sourcing practices to customers but also highlights ofi’s dedication to its ambitious ‘Almond Trail‘ sustainability product strategy.
ofi’s approach to producing highquality, flavorful almonds with a lower carbon footprint is driven by its pioneering partnerships with the Almond Board of California and the California Water Action Collaborative, as well as universities and labs. The collaboration focuses on incorporating high levels of mechanization and the latest agronomy practices to improve wateruse efficiency, ensure best-practice pollinator management techniques, and increase orchard carbon capture activities.
“We’re happy that ofi joined hands with us to certify their almond ranches in California. It’s great to see their commitment to improving practices within the almond industry, from managing pests and chemicals responsibly to enhancing soil and supporting biodiversity. This move broadens the choices for sustainabilityconscious consumers, who can now enjoy Rainforest Alliance certified almonds, hazelnuts, and cashews.” –Michelle Deugd, Director Forest and Agriculture, Rainforest Alliance
Damien Houlahan, Head of Almonds at ofi: “Our approach to responsible almond farming and supply chain transparency is ambitious, but it goes hand in hand with delivering high-quality products to our customers – and their consumers. This certification reflects our relentless pursuit of making every almond count toward a more sustainable and equitable future. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved with ofi, from our orchard teams to our operations teams, who have committed to upholding the rigorous standards set by the Rainforest Alliance.”
As ofi continues its sustainability efforts under its ‘Almond Trail’ strategy, customers and partners can look forward to the first impact report detailing its 2023 progress, set to be published later this year.
FarmByte and Sarawak Incorporated partner to boost agrofood production with digital-first approach
Partnership will see a joint effort to boost the local production of agrofood crops and uplift communities
FarmByte, a Johor Corporation (JCorp) company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sarawak Incorporated Sdn Bhd (SISB), witnessed by Datuk Syed Mohamed Syed Ibrahim, Encik Mohd Faris Adli Shukery, and Encik Soh Kien Khee, and signed by Syed Aiman Kifli Syed Jaafar, CEO of FarmByte Sdn Bhd, and Wan Abu Bakar Wan Hamid, CEO of Sarawak Incorporated Sdn Bhd.
FarmByte, a digital-first agrofood company under Johor Corporation (JCorp), has today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sarawak Incorporated Sdn Bhd (SISB) to boost local agrifood production and enhance food security.
Witnessed by YBhg Datuk Syed Mohamed Syed Ibrahim, President & Chief Executive of Johor Corporation and sealed by Syed Aiman Kifli Syed Jaafar, CEO of FarmByte Sdn Bhd, and Wan Abu Bakar Wan Hamid CEO, Sarawak Incorporated Sdn Bhd, the MoU formalises a partnership aimed at pooling their agrofood expertise and resources to explore innovative opportunities for the production of key agrofood products in the country.
This collaboration will focus on two primary projects: Pineapple Cultivation and Modern Vegetable Farming in Sarawak. FarmByte will provide its digital-first and modern farming expertise, especially in pineapple production, and provide insights on exporting local produce to the international market. SISB will leverage its resources and the local knowledge of the Sarawak agrofood scene.
The partnership, which builds on JCorp’s trade mission to Sarawak in April 2024 to foster potential collaborations, will also involve FarmByte and SISB facilitating a full suite of services from farm to fork, including technical and feasibility studies, processing, packaging, distribution, and marketing as well as branding.
It aligns with JCorp’s broader mission to address the nation’s socioeconomic needs by enhancing food security, empowering local communities through fair trade and knowledge transfer, and investing in agricultural innovation and infrastructure development to foster economic growth and prosperity.
Syed Aiman emphasised, “A whole-ofsociety approach is important in our efforts to enhance food security in the country. Collaborating with like-minded industry players like SISB allows us to explore new ways of producing high-quality and highvalue food. This partnership is in line with our vision of securing Malaysia’s future of food while empowering farmers and uplifting communities.”
He added, “We’re thrilled to embark on this partnership with SISB. Their commitment to transforming the agrofood sector to ensure food security, boost the sector’s economic contribution, and uplift the socio-economic status of the local population in Sarawak by creating higher-value jobs in agrofood and seeking export opportunities aligns perfectly with our priorities. We look forward to sharing our digital-first approach to modernising the agrofood sector with SISB and finding better ways to achieve self-sufficiency in food production.”
Recognised as a high-income state by the World Bank in 2023, Sarawak has emerged as Malaysia’s new economic powerhouse, with the local government focused on elevating and industrialising the agrofood sector as part of its strategy to transform Sarawak into a competitive and resilient economy.
“The MoU with FarmByte underscores our commitment to the agrofood sector and food security in Sarawak and is key to our integrated development of a Commercial Pineapple Estate and establishment of a processing plant in Sri Aman Division. FarmByte’s digital-first approach and technological leverage appeals to us as we expand food production areas to ensure food security, elevate local livelihoods, and attract the younger generation of farmers and agropreneurs to be part of the agrofood sector,” said Wan Abu Bakar.
He concluded, “We are excited to join hands with FarmByte and learn from their team of digital experts on the different innovative ways we can bring food to our tables.”
in TM-m30III Thermal Receipt Printer –Built-in multiple connectivity options, paper de-curl mechanism, and UTF-8 font support
Epson, a global leader in professional printing, has launched the Epson TM-m30III Thermal Receipt Printer – a new versatile point-ofsale (POS) printing solution that effectively supports the operational demands of the Retail and Food & Beverage industry. With its innovative features and versatile capabilities, the new Epson TM-m30III Thermal Receipt Printer streamlines operations, enhances customer experiences, and elevates efficiency to new heights.
According to Statista 2024 Research in Southeast Asia, the transaction value in the Mobile POS Payments market is projected to reach US$34.72 billion this year. By 2028, the Mobile POS Payments market is expected to expand further with user volume reaching 177.3 million and projected to reach US$65.26 billion. Aligned with the market projection, the TM-m30III printer is designed to help businesses accelerate their adoption of mobile POS solutions with its all-in-one functionality.
Engineered to keep up with the rapid pace of the food and beverage industry, TM-m30III prints at an impressive speed of 300mm/s – a significant 20% improvement in speed
from the previous model, the TM-m30II. Its fast and efficient printing capabilities allow the backend operations to receive orders almost instantaneously from the time the order is placed. Along with the speed boost, the printer maintains its reliability, boasting a printhead life of 150 km and an auto cutter life of 1.5 million cuts. Revolutionising the decentralised order system, Epson’s new thermal receipt printer establishes a new benchmark for speed and reliability in receipt printing.
The fast-paced nature of Food & Beverage storefronts necessitates robust and reliable hardware that can efficiently facilitate operations. With the consideration of common wet kitchen settings and stringent hygiene standards in the Food and Beverage industry, the TM-m30III employs waterresistant and antibacterial materials that offer significant advantages to business owners and staff.
Versatility sits at the core of the new Thermal Receipt Printer where users can expect the diverse demands of fast-paced operations to be met. Differing from conventional receipt printers, TM-m30III features integrated WiFi connectivity, Bluetooth and NFC pairing functionality, providing a seamless array of connectivity options with POS devices. Moreover, it supports USB-PD, making it ideal for Tablet POS setups. The new POS printer comes as an all-in-one unit that effortlessly adapts to diverse configurations.
Catering to a wide range of businesses, the Epson TM-m30III Thermal Receipt Printer is
also equipped with UTF-8 font, enabling it to interpret and print in multiple languages in a single receipt.
Customer service is essential in ensuring that businesses build brand loyalty and reap profits on returning customers. The advent of decentralised ordering systems eliminates bottlenecks often seen at payment counters thereby empowering restaurant staff to fully attend to customers’ needs and further build on their experience.
Going above and beyond, the TM-m30III is designed to deliver unparalleled convenience for customers. It boasts an innovative decurl mechanism that eliminates the hassle of straightening out receipts as well as nearend paper alerts to ensure that operations are optimised to be seamless. The printer contributes to the final touch of the dining experience and leaves a lasting impression on customers.
We are thrilled to introduce Epson TM-m30III Thermal Receipt Printer to the market, offering a gamechanging solution tailored to the unique needs of the fast-paced food and beverage industry,” said Derek Tan, Head of Sales and Marketing, Epson Singapore. “The efficiency gains from TM-m30III empowers restaurant operations to focus more on delivering quality experience and ensuring a seamless dining experience. We expect to see our point-of-sale printing solutions to continue revolutionising restaurant workflows and elevate operational efficiency for Food & Beverage businesses.
New feature aims to improve shopping experience for customers while helping merchants grow
foodpanda customers can now shop for groceries easily and more conveniently with the launch of the item replacement feature on foodpanda shops1. This feature helps customers quickly find alternatives when their ordered products are unavailable. It is
currently present in Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines, with plans to be rolled out across all 11 markets in the next few months.
With item replacement, customers will receive a push notification or text message when an item ordered from foodpanda shops is out of stock, prompting them to substitute it with a similar product. They will have five minutes to make their selection before the replacement process ceases,
and they are refunded for the unavailable item. foodpanda shops pickers are trained to analyse customer preferences, product specifications, and real-time inventory levels, ensuring that replacements not only match the original item but meet customer needs perfectly.
“We are grateful to see our customers enjoying our product offerings, as seen from their higher spending per transaction in 2023. As we strive to enhance their shopping experience, we hope that this feature saves them time and effort from having to repurchase out-of-stock items, while also introducing them to new alternatives they may not have considered previously,” said Christian Urban, Director of Marketplace, foodpanda.
A study2 revealed that retailers will lose nearly $1.2 trillion globally in 2023 due to out-of-stock products. By suggesting replacements instead of immediate refunds for unavailable items, this feature could save tens of millions annually in lost sales for foodpanda’s retail partners, thus maximising their revenue potential from the platform. At the same time, customers can seamlessly fulfil their orders without having to make another purchase – a common pain point when it comes to online grocery shopping –resulting in significant time and cost savings.
To start, item replacement will be available for supermarkets and grocery chains on foodpanda shops such as Cold Storage in Singapore, AEON MaxValu in Malaysia, and Robinsons Easymart in the Philippines, with more retailers to follow.
1. foodpanda’s retail marketplace, listing thousands of retail partners across a wide variety of categories, including health & wellness, electronics, and supermarket
2. Referenced from a study conducted by research firm IHG Group
New facility to kickstart global roll-out of Brevel’s high-value yet affordable microalgae protein for the plant-based food market
Microalgae protein company Brevel, Ltd. has opened its first commercial plant. The new facility covers an impressive 27,000 square feet [2,500 square meters] and has the capacity to produce hundreds of tons of microalgae protein powder to serve the flourishing global alternative protein space. This protein is clean, non-GMO, planet friendly and makes a breakthrough in delivering a truly market viable solution.
The new site located in the desert periphery of Israel facilitates the introduction of Brevel’s new plant protein to the commercial food market by bringing production up to industrial levels.
From the new facility, Brevel can provide a fresh source of protein extracted from the uniquely grown microalgae belonging to the chlorella family. The resulting ingredient is highly nutritious possessing the full aminoacid profile and highly cost-effective. It has a neutral flavor and color and leaves a negligible environmental footprint. The company expects the new facility to start rolling out its first products by the first quarter of 2025.
Brevel cultivates its microalgae in indoor bioreactors via the fermentation of sugars. Unique to its technology is the simultaneous application of light and fermentation. This enables the generation of nutrient-rich microalgae in abundant yields, without any form of gene modification.
“Combining light and fermentation to produce microalgae is like putting an electric motor into a Tesla car,” explains Yonatan
Golan, Brevel’s co-founder and CEO. “It may sound like a very simple straightforward task to achieve but is actually extremely complex. This was the challenge we managed to crack and lies at the core of our technology. Until now, fermentation has been confined to dark environments and is instrumental in producing the extremely high yields. However, microalgae’s natural makeup of nutrients—including protein, lipids, fiber, and pigments—depend on photosynthesis for their development and growth.”
The future is here Brevel’s breakthrough in uniting fermentation and light into a single process results in a steady supply of a white powdered 60-70% microalgae protein concentrate. Its robust functional qualities allow for seamless applications into a full range of meat and dairy alternatives. Brevel will focus first on alternative dairy products. “Our versatile solutions can boost protein content in dairy alternative while mimicking the same sensory experience, added Golan. “We have strategized several joint-venture partnerships in the US, Europe, and Asia. The result will be construction of larger facilities to fulfill growing demands for our sustainable protein in multiple applications.”
As part of its waste-free manufacturing process, Brevel valorizes all of the algae’s valuable components, making the oil and fibre byproducts available as clean-label emulsifiers and a source of food enrichment for functional foods and food supplements.
At an inauguration event, which welcomed more than 150 attendees including
investors, food-tech start-ups, government representatives and food manufacturers, Brevel gave tours of the new state-ofthe-art facility which houses advanced bioproduction labs, spacious working environments, a modern food application lab, and the latest in quality control equipment.
The visitors enjoyed tastings of a variety of protein-rich plant-based cheese analogous demonstrating Brevel’s ability to provide nutritional value without compromising flavor or appearance. “This new facility is just the beginning for Brevel,” states Ido Golan, CTO and co-founder of Brevel. “We will make a vital contribution to building a secure, resilient food value chain that will nourish future generations with a new supply line of affordable yet highly nutritious protein.”
Brevel will supply its protein to plant-based food formulators and food manufacturers worldwide, some of whom are strategic partners and investors in the company. Today’s product developers are actively seeking more neutral-tasting plant proteins as options to commonly used pea and soy proteins, which often pose flavor and texture challenges. The extracted microalgae protein is highly nutritious, has sensory appeal, and shares the same price bracket as soy and pea proteins.
Last year the company netted nearly USD19 million in seed funding. The round, led by NevaTeam Partners and supported by the European Union’s EIC Fund, enabled this current phase of commercial-scale production and global outreach.
By Cath Isabedra
Exploring how Asian nations are pioneering the integration of agriculture into the urban fabric to secure food, enhance sustainability, and reshape city living — with lessons for the world.
Urban farming, a critical component of sustainable urban development, is transforming how cities across the globe address food security, environmental
sustainability, and economic vitality. Hyperlocal urban farming, which focuses on producing food within small, often densely populated urban areas, is gaining traction worldwide due to its potential to enhance local food systems.
This practice is particularly pertinent in Asia, a region experiencing rapid urbanization and facing high population densities and limited arable land.
The current landscape of hyper-local urban farming globally
Globally, urban farming is evolving as cities seek innovative solutions to sustainably feed their growing urban populations. Techniques like vertical farming and hydroponics are at the forefront, allowing crops to be grown in layered setups or water-based environments, minimizing land use, and reducing water consumption.
However, challenges still remain.
Urban farming often requires significant initial investment in terms of technology and infrastructure.
The high setup and maintenance costs can be prohibitive without subsidies or strong market demand for locally grown produce.
While technologies like vertical farming minimize the need for horizontal space, the availability of suitable urban locations supporting largescale setups’ structural requirements and energy needs is still a major hurdle.
Urban farmers often face complex regulatory environments that can impede the development and expansion of urban farming initiatives.
Zoning laws, safety regulations, and building codes can limit where and how urban farms operate.
Dependence on advanced technology and infrastructure can also be a limitation, particularly in regions lacking technical expertise or reliable energy sources.
A closer look at urban farming
Urban farming in Asia presents a rich tapestry of approaches, each shaped by the unique challenges and priorities of the region’s diverse cultures and economies. The rapid urbanization and dense population clusters in Asia make urban agriculture not just a choice but a necessity, driving innovation and adaptation in several key areas.
China has become a leader in urban agriculture through heavy investment in technology and substantial government support. Initiatives like the Nanjing Green Towers, which incorporate plant life into skyscraper designs, exemplify how urban farming can be integrated into the urban landscape.
The government has also implemented policies that encourage the development of urban farming, providing subsidies for technology such as hydroponics and aquaponics, which are vital in areas with contaminated soil or water scarcity.
With its limited arable land, Japan has turned to creative solutions to maximize space, such as rooftop gardens and sophisticated indoor farming facilities.
One notable example is the Pasona Urban Farm, an office building in Tokyo where employees cultivate over 200 species of fruits, vegetables, and rice used in the building’s cafeterias.
This not only maximizes limited space but also reduces employee stress and improves air quality.
Singapore’s approach is highly strategic, with urban farming a crucial component of its national food security strategy. The city-state, known for its limited space, has developed cutting-edge vertical farming methods that are now being adopted globally.
The government supports these innovations through grants and incentives, which has led to the success of vertical farms. These farms use tiered systems to grow vegetables close to residential areas, drastically reducing the
need for food transportation and thereby lowering carbon emissions.
In contrast to the technology-driven approaches seen in other parts of Asia, India’s urban farming is largely communitydriven and focuses on achieving food selfsufficiency.
Projects like the Mumbai Port Trust Garden take unused urban spaces and convert them into flourishing community gardens. These projects are often supported by nongovernmental organizations and focus on employing women, thus providing both social and economic benefits.
Thailand’s urban farming initiatives often blend traditional agricultural practices with modern techniques to enhance food security in urban areas. In Bangkok, projects like the Chao Phraya Sky Park demonstrate how public spaces can be transformed into productive green areas that encourage community farming. These initiatives are supported by both local municipalities and private sectors, which see urban farming as a way to reduce food import dependency and improve urban ecological balance.
In the Philippines, urban farming is an adaptive response to urban poverty and food insecurity. Metro Manila hosts numerous community garden projects that are often grassroots-driven, with local government units providing support through land and resources. These gardens supply food and serve as educational platforms to teach urban residents about sustainable practices and nutritional awareness.
Technological innovation in urban farming across Asia often focuses on sustainability and efficient resource use. Innovations such as AI-driven analytics for monitoring crop health, automated watering systems that conserve water, and nutrient film techniques that maximize yield in small spaces are common. These technologies address the physical constraints of urban environments and help make urban farming a viable commercial venture.
Socially and culturally, urban farming in Asia is vital in enhancing community engagement. In densely populated urban areas, communal gardens serve as social spaces, fostering interactions among residents. These spaces provide urban dwellers with a connection to nature and an understanding of the food production process, which is often lost in urban settings.
Furthermore, urban farms in Asia often serve educational roles, teaching urban residents, especially children, about sustainable living and the importance of fresh food. Schools in Singapore and Hong Kong, for example, have begun integrating garden-based learning into their curricula, providing practical skills and instilling values of environmental stewardship.
In understanding the impact and evolution of hyper-local urban farming, it is essential to compare Asian practices with those in other regions such as North America and Europe. Each region brings unique insights driven by
differing cultural values, policy environments, and technological accessibilities.
In Asia, urban farming is significantly influenced by technological innovation and strong governmental support. Countries like Singapore and China exemplify how state-driven initiatives can accelerate the adoption of urban farming.
For instance, Singapore’s “30 by 30” vision, which aims to produce 30 percent of its nutritional needs locally by 2030, has spurred numerous high-tech farming projects. These projects receive substantial government funding and policy support, facilitating advanced technologies such as aeroponics and robotics.
In contrast, North America’s urban farming often emerges from community-based grassroots movements focused on enhancing food security and promoting social equity. Urban farms in cities like Detroit and Toronto are frequently established in response to urban decay or food deserts, with a strong focus on community involvement and local empowerment.
These initiatives tend to rely less on technology and more on traditional farming techniques, though innovations like community-supported agriculture (CSA) models are becoming more prevalent.
Europe’s approach to urban farming often integrates sustainability with cultural preservation. For example, in cities like Berlin and Paris, urban gardens are food sources and community hubs that preserve green spaces and foster social interactions among residents. The emphasis here is on organic farming practices, biodiversity, and the ecological footprint of food production. European policies, such as the Urban Farming Partnerships in Paris, support these initiatives by offering leases on city-owned land at low rates to promote sustainable urban agriculture.
While technological advancements are crucial, integrating community engagement in urban farming initiatives can significantly enhance their success and sustainability. Asia’s technology-driven approach could benefit from incorporating more community involvement, a key success factor in North America.
Conversely, Western models could adopt some of the high-efficiency, tech-driven methods used in Asia to increase productivity and reduce resource usage.
Many Asian urban farming technologies and methods have potential applicability in Western contexts, especially in urban areas with limited space. Techniques like vertical farming and hydroponics used in Singapore are already being adopted in North American and European cities to address similar challenges of urban space constraints.
However, the transfer of these technologies
needs to be adapted to local contexts, considering the social, economic, and cultural differences.
Hyper-local urban farming redefines the possibilities for urban landscapes in Asia and beyond. By examining the successes and challenges urban farming initiatives face globally, we can gather valuable insights into their potential impacts on future urban development. The continued evolution of urban farming practices will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping sustainable, resilient urban food systems worldwide.
Angie King, once primarily known in the realm of supercars, has steered her focus towards a groundbreaking agricultural venture in the Philippines. King Tower Farm, her brainchild, stands as a symbol of sustainability and innovation in a region traditionally tethered to conventional farming practices.
The transition from high-performance vehicles to high-efficiency farming wasn’t
immediate. It was driven by King’s firsthand experiences with problematic soil conditions and her commitment to finding solutions.
As she delved into the challenges of traditional agriculture, her focus sharpened on creating a farming model that was both sustainable and adaptable to the local environment.
King Tower Farm was born out of Angie’s exploration into aquaponics, an interest sparked by the poor soil quality at her inherited property. This venture quickly evolved from a personal project into a fullfledged farm that included vertical towers alongside traditional soil farming and an apiary.
“The soil was Luisiana clay, very acidic and low in organic matter,” Angie recounts, emphasizing the challenges that led her to innovate.
Her approach to agriculture is holistic, integrating multiple farming techniques to optimize productivity and sustainability. The farm serves as a testbed for vertical farming technologies and preserves traditional practices, demonstrating a balanced ecosystem that leverages the best of both worlds.
In tropical climates, high humidity and temperatures can create a breeding ground for pathogens, potentially harming aeroponic systems. To counteract this, good air circulation around the roots and throughout the growth chamber is necessary.
Implementing controlled environment agriculture (CEA) technology, which includes automated systems to monitor and adjust temperature, humidity, and airflow, can significantly mitigate these risks.
Tropical regions, like the Philippines, often face
heavy rainfall and high evaporation rates. In aeroponics, efficient water management is vital, particularly in the misting cycles, to ensure roots do not become waterlogged or dry out.
Similarly, the intense and direct sunlight characteristic of tropical regions can stress plants, leading to overheating or excessive transpiration. The warm, humid tropical climate is conducive to the proliferation of pests and diseases.
At King Tower Farm, the introduction of aeroponic systems marked a significant technological leap specifically tailored to address the unique challenges of the Philippine climate.
Initially, the farm faced issues such as nutrient dilution and pest infestations.
Angie’s response was to iterate and optimize, eventually moving to a centralized drip irrigation system that enhanced efficiency and resilience against environmental pressures.
“These modifications have proven essential for coping with our tropical conditions,” Angie explains. The new system improved crop yield and quality and ensured that farming could be a year-round endeavor despite the seasonal variations typical of the region.
Integrating advanced agricultural technologies with sustainable water management practices was fraught with challenges, from dealing with unreliable equipment suppliers to managing the microclimate within greenhouses. Angie combatted these issues by harnessing natural water sources and employing
innovative filtration techniques to ensure a consistent and clean water supply.
The adjustments made at King Tower Farm are a testament to Angie’s determination and adaptability.
“Adjusting the greenhouse’s internal temperature to optimal levels remains a work in progress,” she admits. However, her commitment to overcoming these hurdles underscores her dedication to environmental sustainability and operational efficiency.
King Tower Farm has made substantial impacts not only in terms of agricultural production but also in water and land conservation. The farm’s systems significantly reduce water usage, a critical achievement in sustainability.
“Our water-saving measures are crucial in a country where water scarcity can be a barrier to farming,” Angie points out.
She also addresses the increased energy needs of the farm, acknowledging the complexities of balancing resource conservation with agricultural innovation.
Beyond its environmental benefits, the farm serves as a model for community engagement and education, aiming to foster a deeper connection between people and their food sources. Angie’s efforts illustrate how small-scale farms can play a significant role in ecological conservation and community development.
Looking ahead, Angie is focused on expanding the reach of her innovative farming techniques. She sees potential partnerships with local governments as a pathway to enhancing food security across the Philippines. By sharing her knowledge and technology, Angie aims to empower communities to adopt sustainable farming practices that lead to long-term food independence.
Her vision extends beyond mere technological adoption. Angie is passionate about creating a sustainable agrarian culture that blends modern techniques with traditional knowledge, ensuring that future generations can continue to thrive and innovate within the agricultural sector.
Her vision for the future includes optimizing current practices and sharing these innovations to promote food security.
My dream is to get this technology in the hands of the local government so that they can have food sustainability near them.
Recognizing the financial hurdles associated with vertical farming, Angie offers practical advice to emerging farmers. She advises aspiring farmers to start small and grow with the market, emphasizing the importance of understanding the local agricultural landscape and market demands.
Whichever system you can afford, that’s something you should go into.
Angie’s advocacy extends beyond her farm’s boundaries. She is a vocal proponent of maintaining agricultural diversity and preventing the monopolization of farming by large corporations. Her concerns about the potential consequences of a homogenized farming industry drive her to promote awareness and advocate for inclusive agricultural policies.
“My biggest fear would be that huge corporations monopolize the farming industry,” Angie expresses, underscoring the importance of maintaining agricultural diversity and accessibility.
Her efforts aim to inspire a new generation of farmers who are well-informed about the importance of sustainable practices and the dangers of industry consolidation. Through education and advocacy, she hopes to cultivate a resilient agricultural sector that supports diverse farming methods and ensures equitable access to resources.
Through King Tower Farm and her various initiatives, Angie King is not simply farming— she’s cultivating a future where innovative agriculture is the cornerstone of a sustainable and prosperous Philippines.
Angie King is a Filipina hotelier, car shop owner, race car driver, restauranteur, modern farmer, and recently an ecologist. She is married to international model-host Joey Mead King.
Angelina Mead King is the owner of Car Porn Racing and Classic Speed Inc, a car modification and services company dealing with classic cars and luxury cars. She is also the managing director of Victoria Court, Hotel La Corona, and Hotel 2016. She came out as a transgender woman in 2016 due to Facebook managing to link her secret account with her public account. Angie and Joey are also big animal rights advocates.
In recent months, Angie decided to focus her efforts on shifting her company to a more green initiative. Realizing that the problem is global, she teamed up with UN Ambassador Antoinette Taus to do multiple coastal cleanups at the Ramsar site LPPCHEA.
By Cath Isabedra
Climate change, land degradation, and water scarcity increasingly challenge traditional farming methods. This has spurred a vital shift towards more sustainable practices that enhance food security and mitigate environmental impacts. Among these emerging technologies, vertical farming presents a transformative solution, offering a method to produce food efficiently and sustainably within urban environments.
Enter Growy, a trailblazer in the vertical farming industry. It has seamlessly integrated state-of-the-art technology with ecofriendly practices to revolutionize farming. By focusing on automation, tailored crop cultivation, and resource efficiency, Growy is setting new standards in the agricultural domain. Their innovative approach not only aims to make sustainable food accessible but also contributes significantly to urban sustainability and climate resilience.
Laura van de Kreeke, a dedicated Growy farmer with an extensive background that
spans several critical areas from biology to communications, is deeply involved in this agricultural evolution. With a passion for sustainability and a hands-on approach to farming, Laura has been instrumental in advancing Growy’s mission from its inception. She embodies the company’s commitment to innovation and relentless pursuit of agricultural excellence.
Growy has taken a significant leap by integrating advanced robotics and automation into its vertical farming systems.
Laura explains, “Our system was made to grow many different crops and offer each one of them a tailored plant profile, containing all their needs throughout a growth cycle.”
This automation extends throughout the entire growth process, significantly enhancing efficiency and sustainability. The use of dynamic lighting and an efficient climate system dramatically reduces energy consumption.
Laura notes the benefits of such integration, stating, “Using our efficient climate system and dynamic lights we save a lot of our energy consumption.”
One of the most intriguing aspects of Growy’s approach is the tailoring of light, climate, and nutrition to enhance the taste and nutritional value of the produce. Through collaborations with institutions like Wageningen University, Growy has been able to “increase the vitamin content of the crops, improve shelf life, taste, and yield,” Laura shares. This ongoing research continues to uncover new potentials for agricultural improvements.
Growy is also exploring innovative ways to turn organic waste into valuable resources. Laura describes an ambitious project:
We are currently researching and developing a bio-digester that can turn organic waste into energy, water, and potentially also nutrients we can all use in our farm.
This initiative represents a critical step towards full sustainability in agriculture.
Growy’s vertical farming technology is not just about producing food. It’s also about creating sustainable urban ecosystems.
“By building vertical farms close to the consumer, we can produce a large amount of fresh produce on a small area and ensure freshness and a decrease in food miles,” Laura emphasizes.
This approach aligns with broader climate goals, reducing the carbon footprint associated with traditional farming.
When it comes to selecting crops, Growy focuses on salads, herbs, and microgreens due to their viability and sustainability. Laura discusses the strategic selection: “By starting with these easy-to-grow crops, we can develop, research, and collect a lot of data not only on our system but also on the plants.” This initial focus helps pave the way for future expansions into larger crops and even pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.
Growy’s continuous innovations aim to optimize crop growth and health, which are crucial for ensuring taste, healthiness, and affordability. Laura highlights an exciting development:
We are also working on equipping all the robots with a camera, so we can see the crops without entering the cell.
This technology allows for real-time monitoring and adjustments to improve crop quality further.
In terms of future directions, Laura’s advice to others in the sector is clear: “Focus on the plants, not the system...only do it with the goal of making a positive impact on the food sector.” This philosophy underpins Growy’s mission to revolutionize agriculture through sustainability and innovation.
Growy’s efforts showcase a proactive approach to addressing food security, environmental sustainability, and technological advancement in agriculture.
As they continue to expand their crop repertoire and refine their technologies, Growy remains a leading example of how vertical farming can be a cornerstone of future agricultural practices.
By Cath Isabedra
Imagine strolling through the busy streets, where amidst the concrete jungle, lush greenery thrives above, below, and all around you. Rooftops, abandoned lots, and even underground bunkers are transformed into vibrant farms teeming with fresh produce. But this is no longer a distant dream. With urban farming technologies, it has become a tangible reality.
Feeding the swelling populations sustainably becomes an ideal and urgent necessity. Urban farming and its innovations can turn urban spaces into bastions of food production.
The shift towards urban agriculture is propelled by the imperatives of environmental sustainability and food security. Urban farms offer a promising alternative in a world where traditional farming is strained by climate change and urban sprawl. These green oases utilize vertical spaces, recycle water, and minimize transport distances, slashing carbon footprints and bringing food production back to the heart of urban communities.
I first met Frederic Bulcaen, Founder of Urban Crop Solutions, during the 2022 AgriFood Summit in Singapore. I already saw his eagerness to showcase Urban Crop Solutions and how they can help make sustainability even more accessible to all.
Once again, Frederic indulges us in an interview to talk about Urban Crop Solutions and how cities can harness technology to survive and thrive, transforming rooftops and empty buildings into sources of life and vitality.
Integrating technology with urban farming significantly boosts efficiency and productivity. Smart irrigation systems, for instance, use sensors to monitor soil moisture levels, ensuring that plants receive the optimal amount of water. This conserves water and promotes healthier plant growth. Automated systems can manage tasks such as planting, harvesting, and pest control, reducing the need for manual labor and allowing urban farms to operate more smoothly and consistently.
Urban Crop Solutions understands that no two urban farms are alike. Each installation must be tailor-made to fit a city’s specific environmental and economic contexts. Frederic explains the necessity of customization, saying, “Our customers often want a customized installation tailored to the building or space they have available and the specific purposes of their business.”
The integration of technology like ModuleX not only enhances operational efficiency but also maximizes crop yield, proving essential for commercial growers. “The flexibility of growing crops that have different growing days is important for most of our customers,” Frederic points out. This adaptability enables growers to respond dynamically to market demands and prices. ModuleX’s low energy consumption also marks it as one of the most sustainable systems available, aligning with the global push towards energy efficiency.
“We have developed several standard products that are scalable such as our ModuleX and our Farmflex product range.
This bespoke approach allows Urban Crop Solutions to not only meet but exceed the expectations of urban farmers, ensuring that each system is as productive as possible.
Technology integration is critical to achieving this high level of customization and efficiency. Frederic details the process, “The machine controls, sensors, and even the software of an indoor farming installation are usually adapted to meet the requirements of the customer.” This customization extends to ensuring seamless integration with other operating systems the clients might use, enhancing both usability and functionality.
“We find that there are still many customers looking for the right market segment. Unlike greenhouses or other indoor farming systems, our ModuleX is very flexible, and apart from possibly investing in custom trays, nothing is needed to switch to other crops. We have already successfully grown many crops in our systems. Besides the specialty crops that you hear and see everywhere, we found the tests with “cactus-like plants” the most surprising.”
Urban farming has reached a critical juncture in its development, evolving from a niche concept to a significant component of modern agriculture. As urban farming technology advances, it faces the challenge of ensuring market adaptation and acceptance, particularly within traditional farming communities. Integrating these new methods with established practices and within food processing companies remains a significant hurdle.
Frederic explains, “We note that it is not easy to integrate urban farming technology into traditional farming techniques or into food processing companies. However, we believe that these are the actors who will use the technology in the future. They either have experience in farming or in running a (food processing) factory.”
Despite the potential of urban farming technology, its adoption is not yet widespread.
We underestimate how many people do not yet know the indoor farming technology or believe how operationally secure or stable it already is to date, Frederic notes.
He emphasizes the importance of larger indoor farming companies, which are currently making significant strides in local markets, in raising awareness and proving the viability of these technologies. While retail industries are unlikely to produce their food immediately, existing factories and major indoor farming entities are expected to drive the transition.
Urban farming’s growth is also complicated by regulatory challenges that vary significantly across regions. There is often a lack of understanding about the capabilities and practices of indoor farming facilities, resulting in inconsistent legal frameworks.
Frederic points out, “A big issue is whether a crop from an indoor farming facility is allowed to use the organic label or not. Personally, I would prefer that people create a separate label for indoor farmed crops instead of trying to have the organic label.”
This distinction is crucial as indoor farming offers distinct, easily verifiable benefits compared to traditional organic farming.
Another regulatory challenge is defining the status of indoor farms—whether they are purely agricultural or also considered food processing units. This classification affects how land can be used and the applicable regulations.
“Here in Belgium, land is available for agriculture, industry, retail, or residential use. But under which statute does an indoor farm fall?” Frederic asks.
He highlights that local legislation is often adequate for smaller, local operations, but larger mega farms aiming to export their produce face more complex regulatory landscapes. The focus on local production for local consumption simplifies many regulatory concerns, aligning well with urban farming’s strengths.
For new entrants, the high initial investment and operational costs of urban farming can be prohibitive.
Frederic acknowledges, “It is not easy for startups that want to get into the urban farming sector because the market is certainly not yet mature enough to immediately choose the right business segment.”
Despite the uncertainties, he believes in the long-term potential of urban farming technology. His advice to startups is to address specific market problems actively.
The advice I have for start-up companies in the urban farming sector is to build your business from the solution to a concrete problem you see in the market at an active company.
Frederic recounts Urban Crop Solutions’ journey, highlighting their strategic decision to become technology providers rather than commercial plant producers. This approach allowed them to remain competitive as the technology evolves.
He observes that experienced industrial players are beginning to experiment with advanced urban farming technologies, seeking practical and commercially viable applications. This trend indicates a promising future for urban farming as these technologies become more refined and integrated into mainstream agricultural practices.
At the heart of Urban Crop Solutions’ transformative approach to urban farming is a strategic pivot from traditional, isolated research methodologies to a collaborative, open-innovation model. This transition reflects a deep understanding that the future of urban agriculture depends not only on technological advancement but on the synergy between technology providers, end-users, and academic researchers.
This market-driven approach to innovation is about creating theoretically sound, practically viable solutions, and immediately integrated into existing urban farming operations.
This collaborative framework facilitates a rapid iteration cycle, allowing Urban Crop Solutions to refine their technologies in realtime based on direct feedback from the field. This dynamic accelerates the development process significantly. The benefits of such an approach are manifold, such as enhanced adaptability to market demands, quicker troubleshooting, and the development of customized solutions that cater specifically to the nuanced needs of urban farmers.
Moreover, this collaborative ethos extends beyond mere product development. It fosters a community of innovation where knowledge, challenges, and successes are shared openly. This enhances the products and solutions and contributes to the broader knowledge base of urban farming technologies, propelling the entire industry forward.
Looking ahead, the most promising innovations in urban farming revolve around the refinement and customization of existing technologies rather than major hardware breakthroughs. Frederic highlights, “We believe that in terms of hardware, there are no major breakthroughs to be made in our market in the short term. Customized installations score better than the standard solutions that especially American companies are promoting.”
Focusing on smart engineering and tailored solutions allows significant improvements and efficiencies over standardized approaches. Another anticipated breakthrough is the development of particular seed varieties
tailored for indoor farming applications. However, progress in this area has been slower than expected, with new companies struggling to deliver on their promises. Frederic notes, “We believe that it will be the old traditional seed companies that will eventually provide the step forward here.” This suggests that established players in the seed industry are better positioned to make meaningful advancements.
Consequently, the growth of indoor vertical farming will be more gradual, conquering niche markets one at a time, akin to the steady progress seen in the 3D printing industry.
Urban Crop Solutions is poised to play a crucial role in this evolving landscape. By continuing to innovate through customized solutions and leveraging their expertise as technology providers, they will help drive the sustainable growth of urban farming.
Frederic Bulcaen is an innovative entrepreneur and the founder of Urban Crop Solutions. He is dedicated to transforming agriculture with new technologies, focusing on vertical farming to make urban agriculture more sustainable.
Frederic started Urban Crop Solutions in 2014 to help farmers grow fresh produce in any environment, regardless of space or climate. His company is now a global leader in vertical farming, providing advanced technologies to clients worldwide. His innovative work has earned him recognition in the industry.
Before founding Urban Crop Solutions, Frederic worked at Deloitte, gaining experience in business strategy. He then led Typhoon NV, an engineering and production technology company, where he honed his leadership and innovation skills.
Frederic’s commitment to sustainability and innovation drives Urban Crop Solutions, making it a key player in the future of sustainable food production.
In the bustling urban environment of Thailand, DiStar Fresh is leading a revolution in the agricultural industry with its innovative approach to hyper-local urban farming. Utilizing cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices, DiStar Fresh is enhancing the quality of produce while significantly impacting local communities and the environment.
DiStar Fresh employs advanced technology to optimize farming practices tailored to Thailand’s tropical climate. Krisana Tamvimol, CEO of MARS ONE and CTO of DiStar Fresh, explains, “We manage factors such as light, humidity, temperature, CO2, and wind. Temperature and humidity are quite important, but the temperature in Thailand is not excessively high. We have constructed indoor vertical farms with walls and ceilings made of sandwich panels or heat-insulating walls, allowing us to use minimal energy to reduce the temperature.” This meticulous control over the farming environment ensures efficient and sustainable operations with minimal energy consumption.
One of the standout features of DiStar Fresh’s operations is its remarkable water conservation. “In our farm, we use only one percent of the water compared to conventional farming,” says Tamvimol. This drastic reduction exemplifies the company’s commitment to sustainable agriculture. Eliminating the need to wash vegetables before delivery further saves water and ensures cleaner produce.
With Thailand ranking seventh globally in pesticide usage, DiStar Fresh’s pesticide-free produce is vital to public health. “According to the World Health Organization, around 340 people in Thailand die from cancer daily,” Tamvimol notes. By providing clean, safe produce, DiStar Fresh is helping to mitigate the long-term health risks associated with pesticide-contaminated food.
Urban farming in Thailand presents unique challenges, particularly concerning the cost of indoor vertical agriculture versus traditional agricultural methods. Tamvimol explains, “Our solution is to create farms that achieve economy of scale by using industrial methods to help reduce costs.” Continuous research on energy management and strategic farm locations with higher agricultural product prices are part of DiStar Fresh’s innovative solutions to these challenges.
The potential for hyper-local farming in Thailand’s urban areas is immense. “With over eight years of research and the initiation of this business, I believe the growth potential is very high,” says Tamvimol. Increasing consumer awareness about pesticide contamination and a growing preference for fresh, locally-grown produce drive demand. DiStar Fresh’s plans for expansion and government collaboration underscore the promising future of urban farming in Thailand.
DiStar Fresh also focuses on culturally significant crops and public education. “We have signed MOUs with several universities to create courses on indoor vertical farm technology,” Tamvimol mentions. These efforts aim to attract younger generations to agriculture by showcasing the potential of modern farming technologies.
Recent technological integrations have further enhanced DiStar Fresh’s operations. “We have started developing LED tubes for plant cultivation that consume less energy,” Tamvimol explains. Additionally, AI
integration assists in farm management, and diversification into crops like strawberries and tomatoes links farming with tourism and expands market opportunities.
DiStar Fresh is deeply committed to developing local communities through education and job creation. “We offer educational courses to impart knowledge about indoor vertical farming to interested individuals and general farmers,” Tamvimol shares. Collaborations with organizations like the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand have enabled projects that create better income and sustainable jobs, particularly in regions like Lampang province. These initiatives promote agricultural innovation and enhance local residents’ economic and health outcomes.
Thailand’s rich culinary heritage includes a wide variety of local vegetables, some of which have fallen out of favor or been forgotten over time. DiStar Fresh is dedicated to reviving and reintroducing these forgotten local vegetables into Thai cuisine as unique ingredients. Krisana Tamvimol elaborates, “We have begun research to experimentally grow popular local vegetables and forgotten vegetables with high nutritional value.”
This initiative not only enriches Thai cuisine but also promotes the use of pesticide-free, nutritious produce, contributing to healthier eating habits and preserving culinary traditions. By bringing back vegetables such as chili peppers, pea eggplants, and Thai eggplants, which are often heavily contaminated with pesticides, DiStar Fresh is providing a safer and healthier alternative.
Additionally, forgotten vegetables like Spanish Needles, Sweet Broomweed, and Shiny Leaf are being cultivated for their high nutritional value, making them valuable additions to modern Thai dishes.
DiStar Fresh stands at the forefront of a transformative movement in urban farming, offering a sustainable, health-conscious alternative to conventional agriculture. Their innovative practices and unwavering commitment to community development pave the way for a healthier, more sustainable future. DiStar Fresh’s influence on Thailand’s urban farming landscape will undoubtedly expand as the demand for clean, local produce grows.
If the promise of hyper-local urban farming inspires you, remember that you don’t need a green thumb to contribute. Modern technology, like the solutions used by DiStar Fresh, can help you create a sustainable and profitable urban farming business.
Embrace the urban farming revolution with DiStar Fresh. We can cultivate a sustainable future, one urban farm at a time. Join us in transforming cities into green, thriving spaces and experiencing the benefits of fresh, locally-grown produce in your urban environment.
By Cath Isabedra
In today’s culinary landscape, sustainability has become a vital necessity driven by increasing consumer awareness. The World Economic Forum reports that 65 percent of global consumers aim to make responsible food choices. Diners are now more informed and conscious about their health and the environmental impact of their consumption. This shift in consumer mindset has propelled the culinary industry towards adopting more sustainable practices.
Chief Culinary Officer of Constellar, Chef Richmond Lim, underscores this evolution:
“Sustainability and minimising food waste are important considerations for today’s culinary landscape.”
At Singapore EXPO, sustainability is deeply integrated into their operations, reflecting a thorough reevaluation of how food is sourced, prepared, and served.
This dedication to sustainability reflects a broader strategy to ensure every dish served is as eco-friendly as possible. Guests enjoy meals that are not only delicious but also environmentally responsible. This comprehensive approach embodies a deep-seated commitment to responsible dining practices, setting a new standard in the industry.
The farm-to-table approach at Singapore EXPO is more than just a culinary trend but a cornerstone of their sustainability strategy. This concept aligns seamlessly with Singapore’s “30 by 30” goal, which aims to produce 30 percent of the nation’s nutritional needs locally by 2030. Chef Lim elaborates, “We know that shortening the supply chain is an effective way to improve sustainability.” Adding on-site herb gardens and urban farming into their operations ensures that the ingredients used in their dishes are fresh, seasonal, and sustainably sourced.
This approach enhances the quality and flavour of the food, supports local agriculture, and promotes food security. This practice benefits the environment and ensures guests enjoy the freshest possible ingredients.
Effective waste management is a critical component of Singapore EXPO’s sustainability efforts. Chef Lim explains, “We have implemented food digesters within our venue to turn food waste into grey water that is safe to discharge into the public sewage system.” This technology significantly reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills, minimises pest problems, and ensures that waste disposal is as eco-friendly as possible.
Implementing food digesters is part of a broader strategy to handle waste responsibly. This process reduces the need for additional transportation of waste byproducts, further decreasing the venue’s carbon footprint. Singapore
EXPO demonstrates a comprehensive commitment to sustainability, ensuring that their operations adhere to environmentally friendly principles.
Innovation and sustainability are intertwined at Singapore EXPO, where culinary creativity meets environmental responsibility.
Chef Lim believes that “chefs are both scientists and artists,” driving the creation of unique, customisable menus that delight the palate and honour the environment. He adds, “True mastery lies in pushing the boundaries to go beyond following trends to anticipate what will truly resonate with our guests…For Singaporeans, the familiarity of local dishes at international events creates a sense of pride. Modern interpretations of our local classics also add an element of surprise and delight, adding to the unique event experience. For me, this might involve introducing unexpected flavour combinations or incorporating gourmet ingredients.”
This innovative spirit is evident in dishes like chicken rice sushi balls and chilli crab sliders, which blend traditional Singaporean flavours with modern culinary techniques and showcase a commitment to heritage and sustainability.
“As a chef, I am very mindful of the carbon footprint generated through cooking. I aim to provide a sustainable farm-to-table experience for diners, from the partners we source fish and poultry from to the final garnish that goes on each dish.”
Singapore EXPO is distinguished by the versatility, scalability, and customisability of its F&B offerings. The culinary services are tailored to suit each event’s specific needs and preferences.
Their focus on sustainability completes this holistic approach to F&B. Committed to minimising their environmental footprint while delivering an unforgettable dining experience, Singapore EXPO sources topquality, sustainably sourced ingredients and implements eco-friendly packaging and waste management practices.
Chef Lim notes, “Whether it’s a large-scale conference, an intimate meeting, or a VIP gala dinner, we have the capabilities to tailor our culinary offerings to suit the specific needs and preferences of each event. “
Kinetic Kitchen’s priority is dish accuracy and consistency, leveraging ‘numeric cooking’ to ensure high standards across all events.
K2 Chef’s Table offers a contemporary three or four-course fine dining experience, perfect for special occasions or VIP events. Guests enjoy privacy in an intimate setting, indulging in meticulously crafted and bespoke dishes like the “Symphony of Seafood Tartare” and “Pandan Gula Melaka Panna Cotta,” featuring freshly harvested herbs from their garden.
Their dedication to culinary innovation ensures event attendees experience the best of Singapore’s vibrant food culture. From gourmet hawker fare at MarketPlace
@ EXPO to bespoke bentos curated by their award-winning culinary team, guests can expect nothing less than culinary excellence at Singapore EXPO.
The
of
panel of caterers prioritises locally sourced ingredients to minimise transport emissions wherever possible, aligning with our commitment to sustainability.”
Singapore EXPO is the largest sustainable MICE venue in the country and is at the forefront of integrating sustainability into event planning. Chef Lim remarks, “From our conversations with event organisers, we are seeing an increasing focus on sustainable venues.” This growing demand for ecofriendly event spaces drives Singapore EXPO to innovate and improve its sustainable practices.
Chef Lim envisions a future where sustainable culinary excellence is the norm rather than
the exception. His vision for Singapore EXPO is to continue pioneering innovative practices that combine exceptional dining experiences with a solid commitment to the environment.
“Our guests can enjoy delicious, thoughtfully prepared meals that are also kind to the planet,” Chef Lim concludes.
Through their unwavering dedication to sustainability and culinary innovation, Singapore EXPO is not just a venue but a model of responsible and progressive dining. Under Chef Lim’s leadership, the venue’s comprehensive approach to sustainability is reshaping the culinary industry, proving that excellence in dining and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand. This vision of the future is guiding Singapore EXPO towards becoming a global leader in sustainable culinary practices, setting a new standard for the industry.
Chef Richmond Lim, Chief Culinary Officer at Singapore EXPO since 2017, has over four decades of experience in the culinary industry, including 12 years in a 5-star hotel and 29 years in various convention centres. With a passion for food science and technology, Chef Lim established the venue’s Kinetic Kitchen, emphasising the integration of cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices. His holistic approach to the culinary arts encompasses working with equipment suppliers and engaging with farmers, reflecting his belief that being a chef involves a deep understanding of technology, science, and operations.
By Mathew Howe, Founder, Grobrix
Unveiled in April 2019, Singapore’s “30 by 30” goal aspired to have the nation produce 30 percent of its food locally by 2030. Not all of our food - that would be impossible in land-strapped Singapore - but specifically eggs, fish, and leafy vegetables. In the years following, we have all personally experienced the urgency behind this target
- having been through a global pandemic sparking concerns about Singapore’s food security and witnessing numerous setbacks, restructures, and the pivoting of plans around local high-tech farms. With six years left to reach the goal, is this catchy hashtag #30by30 an unrealistic goal or can we really do it?
One commonly referenced issue with locally grown produce is price. In such a pricesensitive economy like Singapore, there remains a fundamental lack of interest from consumers in pricier local produce. When scanning the supermarket aisles for their leafy green produce, price will be the deciding factor in what items to add to the trolley. What may cost them a few dollars extra on a weekly food shop could pave the way for future generations to benefit from a food-secure nation. What these consumers don’t realise is the multifaceted benefits of such a purchase: no preservatives, no single-use plastic, no use of conventional agriculture, reduced food miles, and more nutrient-dense produce.
The responsibility for tackling this issue needn’t fall solely on the shoulders of consumers. It needs to come from the top down. If private industry, NGOs, and governments can come together to educate and empower their communities, we can bring about genuine change.
Take the Go Green SG movement, for example. Led by the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE), this national sustainability movement rallies and empowers the community to take collective action for a cleaner and greener Singapore. From beach clean-ups, tree planting, and food circularity programmes to workshops on different ways of farming, learning how to grow and cook microgreens, and more, these
activities are fantastic ways to influence and impact how people live more sustainably.
Another notable example is the EcoStewardship Programme launched by the Ministry of Education (MOE) in all schools, from primary to pre-university. This programme aims to reduce carbon emissions from schools by at least two-thirds by 2030, in line with the government’s overall Singapore Green Plan 2030. It includes school-based initiatives and lesson packages to teach students about environmental sustainability.
At Mee Toh School, for instance, Primary 3 students learn about food security and experience firsthand the work that goes into growing food through a farm-totable programme. They plant vegetables hydroponically and grow mushrooms, with half the harvest sold in the school canteen and the other half donated to an old folks’ home.
In the private sector, corporations are increasingly prioritising employee wellness in the aftermath of the pandemic. Many have since leveraged urban farming solutions to integrate employee engagement with sustainability initiatives. Edible vertical gardens not only play an important role in enhancing the quality and diversity of food available to people but have also proven to be powerful enablers of community engagement, fostering a workplace culture centred on sustainability education.
Full disclosure, I am a founder of an urban farming business called Grobrix. The past two years have seen a spate of companies like Sodexo, M Moser, LinkedIn, Standard Chartered, and KPMG partnering with us to incorporate edible vertical gardens in their offices, showcasing a commitment to promoting sustainable living.
Teams gather regularly for harvesting sessions and salad workshops, sparking conversations on sustainability and engaging employees to make positive lifestyle changes. These activities boost co-worker interaction and employee satisfaction, and the introduction of greenery in urban spaces contributes to improved employee wellbeing, reducing stress levels and boosting morale.
Beyond the corporate sphere, urban farming initiatives have also found homes at hotels, retail spaces, and community centres. Edible vertical gardens offer unique opportunities for businesses in the F&B and hospitality sectors, enabling restaurants and hotels to enhance their menu offerings with fresh,
locally-grown produce, thereby elevating the taste, quality, and nutritional value of their dishes. Wholefoods store Little Farms, for instance, has installed our vertical farms and uses produce on their cafe menu, as they continue to expand and seek innovative ways to deliver offerings for customers.
Singapore may not be a big island nation, but it is full of skyscrapers and tall buildings. My ultimate dream is to evolve Singapore’s Garden City further into Farm City, with much more indoor greenery becoming edible. I’d love to see everyone become a farmer, if only for one or two hours a week.
challenges lie opportunities for innovation and advancement. Investing in local farms and embracing cutting-edge technologies such as automated systems and precision agriculture can play a pivotal role in developing a resilient and sustainable food system.
Grobrix has effectively demonstrated through its collaborations how a hyper-local farming approach can seamlessly integrate into existing urban structures, optimising space utilisation and reducing operational costs. The success stories of our corporate partners underscore the potential of these systems not only in improving employee well-being but also in bolstering overall corporate sustainability initiatives. Through collaborative educational initiatives and by empowering communities to embrace sustainable practices, we can create lasting change toward a more sustainable and secure food future.
Singapore’s ambitious “30 by 30” goal is more than just numerical targets; it embodies a visionary journey toward a future characterised by resilience, sustainability, and food security for our future generations. Achieving this goal requires coordinated efforts across diverse sectors, and education will continue to be a crucial catalyst on this journey.
Everyone needs to eat. Often, people eat meals together and sometimes prepare them together. In a different time, they would grow food together. Sadly, for most now, that time has passed.
Mathew started growing fresh greens as a hobby to build deeper relationships with his family. These warm moments involving the food he had grown left him with a deep curiosity about produce and agriculture— the farmers, their purpose, and their passion. He wanted to know more about their world; he wanted to be a part of it.
His world was different. In banking, he was a small part of a large machine with little control over his destiny or the impact he was having on the broader community and the world he lived in. Freedom to create or embark on new ideas was scarce, and every day was the same. He yearned for something else to help him grow.
The urban farm wall concept was an opportunity for him to break free and do some good. He believed he could design something that solved a real-world problem, something that had the potential to bring joy, something that might make a difference. Something that might become his legacy.
He envisaged a world where the farm and the farmers were at the fore, closer to communities and visible in our lives, educating people on the benefits of fresh, locally grown food. Where farm-to-table nutritious produce is not just a concept but a daily reality within arm’s reach.
Initially, he started offering Grobrix to individuals but quickly identified a broader opportunity to advance his mission by collaborating with innovative businesses. Grobrix now proudly graces thewalls of many of the world’s most dynamic organisations— from KPMG, LinkedIn, and Marina Bay Sands to the W Singapore Sentosa Cove—empowering their employees to grow together, sow and share the bounty that binds us all.
Every day, Mathew is buoyed by the stories of Grobrix customer communities growing together, transforming through the simple yet entirely satisfying act of growing their own food.
Unveiled last April 2024, Nurasa’s Food Tech Innovation Centre (FTIC) is set to become a driving force for sustainable food innovation in Asia. With a mission to accelerate the commercialisation of groundbreaking and sustainable food products, Nurasa aims to establish the FTIC as a central hub for industry-leading solutions.
According to Guo Xiuling, CEO of Nurasa, this initiative aligns perfectly with Singapore’s ambitious 30-by-30 food security goals, aiming to produce 30 per cent of its nutritional needs locally by 2030. As Asia grapples with rapid urbanisation and rising populations, food security and sustainability have become paramount concerns. The FTIC’s role in this landscape is to innovate and ensure these innovations are scalable and economically viable, driving meaningful progress in food technology and sustainable nutrition across the region.
The broader context of Nurasa’s efforts includes addressing the inefficiencies and environmental impacts of traditional food production systems. With the increasing urgency to mitigate climate change, there’s a global shift towards more sustainable practices. The FTIC stands out by integrating cutting-edge research, pilot-scaling capabilities, and commercialisation efforts under one roof.
This holistic approach accelerates product development and significantly reduces the steps and costs associated with bringing sustainable food products to market.
By doing so, Nurasa is poised to take charge of transforming Asia’s food landscape, making sustainable nutrition accessible to millions.
The FTIC’s integration of advanced technologies, such as precision fermentation and high moisture extrusion, is critical in addressing the pressing challenges of sustainable food production.
Precision fermentation, for instance, allows for the creation of specific proteins and enzymes with high precision, significantly reducing waste and resource consumption. “Precision fermentation requires fewer land and water resources compared to traditional agricultural methods,” Xiuling explains.
This technology is particularly relevant as the food industry seeks to reduce its environmental footprint amidst growing concerns over climate change and resource scarcity. High moisture extrusion, on the other hand, enables the efficient conversion of plant proteins into meat-like textures, providing sustainable alternatives to traditional meat products.
These technologies are not just about innovation for the sake of novelty. They represent a fundamental shift towards more sustainable and efficient food production methods. The global agri-food landscape faces significant challenges, from escalating food prices and supply chain disruptions to climate-related issues like El Niño.
FTIC’s cutting-edge R&D capabilities are crucial in developing resilient and sustainable food systems. By providing centralised access to these technologies, the FTIC not only boosts production efficiency but also accelerates the commercialisation of sustainable food products, making them
more accessible and affordable to a broader audience.
Strategic partnerships fueling innovation
Nurasa’s strategic collaborations with entities like ScaleUp Bio and Cremer are pivotal in driving their innovation agenda. These partnerships create a synergistic ecosystem where industry experts, startups, and joint ventures come together to foster impactful innovation.
“There is a very strong understanding at Nurasa that strategic partnerships are one of the key elements of success in driving scalable and sustainable change,” Xiuling notes. The collaboration with Cremer, for instance, has led to the development of a plant-based chicken satay with enhanced texture and taste, showcasing the potential of these alliances.
Such initiatives are crucial as the alternative protein market in Asia is projected to grow significantly, with consumers becoming increasingly health-conscious and environmentally aware.
We are also expanding our scope from alternative proteins to sustainable nutrition, creating appealing and affordable food options that resonate with the preferences of Asian consumers. This is made possible with collaboration between companies at Nurasa, and is the key to improving the taste of alternative protein products.
Prefer, a Nurasa member, exemplifies the success of FTIC’s ecosystem in transforming innovative concepts into market-ready products. Faced with the threat of losing 50 percent of coffee farmland by 2050 due to climate change, Prefer developed coffee without coffee beans using fermented grains. This innovative approach addresses the impending coffee crisis and provides a sustainable and scalable solution.
Xiuling explains, “Utilising FTIC’s facilities, the ingredients are blended and fermented with food-grade microbes, then roasted in an oven to enhance flavours. Prefer’s coffee is caffeine-free, but caffeine powder in the form of tea can be added to the mix if desired. Prefer is already being distributed to cafes, bars, restaurants, and hotels for consumption. Their work is continually being further developed to ensure authentic taste, affordability, and sustainability of the coffee for customers and the market.”
Prefer’s journey highlights the importance of leveraging advanced technologies and collaborative ecosystems to tackle global food challenges. The shift towards sustainable alternatives is gaining momentum, driven by consumer demand and environmental imperatives.
FTIC’s role in this ecosystem is to provide the necessary infrastructure and support to transform innovative ideas into commercially successful products. This approach accelerates the development process and ensures the solutions are scalable and economically viable.
The NuFood Concept Studio, a key innovation platform at Nurasa, integrates consumer preferences into the product development process, ensuring that new food products resonate with the preferences and needs of Asian consumers.
“We look into pricing strategies, marketing approaches, and pathways to fit the dishes into a wider menu, maximising an overall satisfying experience for our customers,” Xiuling explains.
This practice is critical in a market where consumer preferences are rapidly evolving and driven by increasing health and sustainability awareness. By looking at trends and studying consumer demand, the NuFood Concept Studio ensures that new products are not only nutritious and sustainable but also appealing and affordable.
Nurasa employs a holistic approach to measure the impact and success of innovations developed at the FTIC. Beyond traditional metrics, the focus is on broader indicators that align with their mission of accelerating sustainable nutrition. “We also measure success in more companies using our platform technologies to co-create unique food solutions that focus on holistic nutrition,” Xiuling states.
She furthers, “Of course, we cannot forget customer feedback and satisfaction, which form a crucial part of the evaluation process. At the FTIC, it is measured through various means, including analysing reviews, conducting surveys, and gathering direct feedback from food-tasting sessions. This helps Nurasa understand how well innovations meet consumer needs and preferences, ensuring that the products are not only accepted but also appreciated by the end users.”
Scaling sustainable food solutions across Asia presents significant challenges, including limited facilities and infrastructure. Xiuling acknowledges these hurdles, emphasising the role of innovation in overcoming them: “By fostering cross-sector collaborations between government, academia, industry, and capital, talent, expertise, and resources can be leveraged across the value chain initiating impactful scientific breakthroughs.”
She explains, “The majority of Asian regions lack the essential physical and digital infrastructure to manufacture and distribute food on a large enough scale to meet demand, which is partly attributed to inefficient transportation networks and insufficient storage capabilities. Shifting to sustainable food products is even more challenging since there is still a remarkably high reliance on food originating from rural areas. This is why we believe scaling the right ingredients to cater to the region’s consumers is an undeniable difficulty, given limited resources and outdated technology.”
The FTIC exemplifies this principle through
public-private partnerships, offering shared infrastructure and equipment to support pilot-scale efforts and lower barriers to entry for new ideas. This collaborative spirit is especially critical in Asia, where traditional food production methods are deeply entrenched, and innovation is needed to drive meaningful change.
By providing a platform for collaboration and innovation, the FTIC is helping to bridge the gap between traditional practices and modern, sustainable solutions that accelerates the development and commercialisation of new products.
Collaboration with government and regulatory bodies is essential to Nurasa’s initiatives. Xiuling emphasises the importance of complying with regulatory frameworks to ensure food safety and quality. Increased investment in research and development, coupled with public-private partnerships, can bolster efforts to foster technological advancement and reduce costs over time. “By fostering collaboration with government and policymakers, we can form comprehensive guidelines for innovators to adhere to in the development of food quality and production efficiency,” Xiuling explains.
Xiuling is excited about emerging technologies like AI and personalised nutrition. AI can improve production efficiency and provide insights into consumer preferences, while personalised nutrition offers tailored dietary recommendations based on individual genetic makeup and health data. Innovations in smart packaging also promise to reduce food waste and enhance food safety.
“These technologies present incredible opportunities for collaboration, development,
and implementation, driving our industry towards a more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable future,” Xiuling concludes.
By staying at the forefront of these trends, Nurasa and the FTIC are well-positioned to drive the next wave of innovation in food technology. These advancements will enhance production efficiency and sustainability and provide consumers with more nutritious and personalised food options, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more sustainable future.
Words By: Rick Holland, Regional Managing Director APAC – Water Utility & Executive Director Grundfos Australia
Our food system is on life support. To feed a population projected to balloon to 9.1 billion by 2050, a 70 percent increase in food production is necessary. Unfortunately, climate change is threatening to push yields down by three to seven percent with every degree of warming. Increasing food production also creates a vicious cycle – the food production system already accounts for over a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Adding another layer of difficulty is the fact that we are now using more water than ever, with 70 percent going to agriculture even as arable land shrinks. These conflicting challenges underscore the urgent need for a systemic transformation of agriculture towards a more sustainable future.
In response to the heightened challenges facing agriculture today, efforts to explore and promote sustainable practices have been widespread, spanning both public and private sectors.
Sustainable agriculture essentially hinges on two key aspects: optimising water, energy, and nutrient resources to improve efficiency and productivity, as well as mitigating agriculture’s environmental footprint, such as reducing reliance on fossil fuels and implementing effective management and reuse of agricultural wastewater.
For example, regenerative agriculture focused on soil conservation is gaining traction. Concurrently, there is increasing usage of renewable energy sources, with advancements in Internet of Things technology enabling precise application of biological and chemical inputs.
Alongside these new initiatives, solar energy is offering innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture. Studies show that solar panels
can improve water conditions in waterscarce regions, with a US study observing an increase in water efficiency of more than 300% in areas surrounding solar panels due to their shading effect.
Solar energy serves as a clean alternative to fossil fuels, addressing power supply shortages in some regions and carbon emissions on farms. A solar-powered irrigation system in an olive farm in South Africa is a prime example.
The Mont Rouge Olive Estate possesses a patchwork of 120,000 olive trees covering 200 hectares. As the average rainfall only amounts up to 150 millimetres per year, the farm needs to pump water from the lakes up into drip irrigation systems to meet its irrigation demand. However, due to the unstable local electricity supply, the farm suffered from power blackouts for 2-4 hours every day for more than a decade, making irrigation a big challenge.
With the support of Grundfos and its local partner SAW Africa, the farm has installed what is believed to be South Africa’s largest, single-axis-tracker solarpowered irrigation system.
Currently, three arrays of photovoltaic panels provide 750 kilowatts of peak power to Grundfos pumps at holding dams by each array. Every day, the farm pumps 3,000m3 of water from the reservoirs to the farm’s highest point, overcoming irrigation challenges posed by unreliable power supply while reducing its carbon footprint.
The use of solar panels also enables improved agricultural results. In Australia, a four-year trial demonstrated a win-win situation for sheep farmers who installed solar panels on grazing land. Grazing controlled grass growth, which prevented the blockage of solar panels, while solar panels provided shade, reducing soil drying and leading to increased wool quantity and quality.
As agriculture pivots towards sustainability, the hyper-local urban farm – represented by vertical farms – addresses dwindling arable land and growing resource constraints, offering significant sustainability potential. Unlike traditional farming’s dependence on natural environmental conditions, vertical farms maintain a controlled indoor climate through regulated light, temperature, and humidity.
Plants are grown vertically, and water is recycled, maximising space and water utilisation, and significantly reducing fertilizer and pesticide use. Moreover, situated in city centres, these farms cut carbon emissions by minimising long-distance transport of fresh produce.
However, this innovative agriculture isn’t without its own challenges. Its foremost hurdle lies in energy consumption, particularly due to its heavy reliance on artificial lighting and climate control systems that are typically powered by fossil fuels.
Once again, solar energy emerges as a critical solution here. Agrivoltaics, which combines agricultural production with solar energy generation, enables vertical farms to switch to renewable energy sources that are both greener and more stable, curbing their carbon emissions.
What we often say in the industry is “the greenest energy is energy saved.” Another aspect of tackling the energy challenges of vertical farms is improving energy efficiency. Precision fertigation through smart pumps, sensors, and control software conserves energy, water, and chemicals. Adopting
energy-efficient, smart technologies in supply intake, water treatment, and operations not only enhances stability but also reduces energy consumption and overall carbon emissions.
2023 marked the hottest year on record. Halfway into 2024, several Southeast Asian countries have experienced recordbreaking temperatures since April, with multiple heatwave warnings issued across the Northern Hemisphere as summer approached.
There is no doubt that agriculture, an industry intricately linked to humanity’s survival, will face ever-increasing challenges ahead. The path forward requires an acceleration of agriculture’s sustainable transformation, reshaping the relationship between humans and nature. This isn’t just about securinga sustainable agricultural future but ensuring the long-term sustainability of humanity itself.
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By Cath Isabedra
Japan has long been a premier destination for travelers seeking rich cultural experiences, world-renowned cuisine, and breathtaking natural landscapes. The influx of tourists to Japan has surged recently, with more than three million visitors arriving in April 2024 alone, marking a significant year-over-year increase of 56.1 percent.
However, Japan offers more than a picturesque travel destination for businesses, particularly those in the food industry. It is a hub for sourcing cutting-edge food machinery, crucial for improving operational efficiency and maintaining competitive edges in global markets.
Events like FOOMA Japan, an annual international food machinery and technology exhibition, attract business visitors worldwide. These exhibitions showcase the latest
advancements in food machinery, including automation, quality control, and sustainable production technologies.
FOOMA Japan, officially known as the Food Processing Technology Expo, has a rich history dating to its inception in 1978. Organized by the Japan Food Machinery Manufacturers’ Association (FOOMA), the event has become one of the largest and most influential exhibitions in the food machinery sector.
Over the years, FOOMA Japan has continuously showcased the latest advancements in food processing technologies, highlighting Japan’s commitment to innovation and quality. This annual event serves as a vital platform for industry professionals to exchange knowledge, explore new trends, and foster international collaborations.
The commitment to quality and precision was evident from the moment I stepped into the exhibition. Japanese manufacturers have a well-deserved reputation for meticulous attention to detail and high standards, and FOOMA Japan was no exception. I was particularly impressed by the array of automated packaging machines and sophisticated food processing equipment.
Each piece of machinery reflected an unwavering pursuit of perfection, ensuring efficiency, reliability, and durability. It’s no wonder Japan continues to lead the world in manufacturing excellence.
The theme “Breakthrough FOOMA” was a bold statement, aiming to propel Japanesemade food machinery onto the international
scene, breaking barriers and setting new standards worldwide.
In my conversation with Mr. Tsuneyuki Minami, Chairperson of the FOOMA JAPAN 2024 Exhibition Committee, he elaborated on the theme: “In 2022, we set the theme about restarting FOOMA, and last year it was about accelerating. This year, it’s time for a breakthrough. FOOMA is absolutely the number one show about food processing in Japan and one of the best in the world. We aim to provide solutions and innovations not only in Japan but worldwide.”
Mr. Minami further highlighted the unique strengths of Japanese machinery: “Compared to European and American machines, which focus on high productivity and speed, Japanese machines are more precise and compact. This makes them particularly suitable for the Asian market. However, we are ready to move beyond our borders. The Japanese market is significant but shrinking due to demographic changes. Our mindset is shifting to embrace the
international market, and events like FOOMA Japan are pivotal in this transition.”
In addition, Mr. Junichi Hayashi, Director for International Affairs of FOOMA, emphasized the Japanese commitment to excellence: “The strongest point of Japanese food machinery is its uniqueness, high quality, safety, and precise craftsmanship. We focus on the smallest details, ensuring our machines are sturdy and hygienic. This resonates globally, especially in the Asian market, which we are targeting for growth.”
“Japanese food machinery can be localized to each local market. For example, meat processing machinery. They can be adapted to the local needs of the cuisine. The same high quality, preciseness, and attention to detail—we can apply the similar features to the machine to address the unique needs of our clients.”
Mr. Hayashi furthers, “Many Japanese companies are small and medium-sized enterprises focused on the domestic market due to limited resources. However, with Japan’s population declining, there is a growing need to expand internationally. FOOMA supports this by participating in overseas exhibitions and facilitating logistics and distributor connections.”
He also discussed the global perception of Japanese machinery: “Many countries, including China and Korea, recognize the high quality and precision of Japanesemade machines. Our machinery supports the production of excellent Japanese food, which many international visitors enjoy when they come to Japan. This recognition helps promote the global appeal of our products.”
The FOOMA Awards ceremony was a highlight, celebrating the most innovative and impactful contributions to the food machinery industry. Founded in 2022, the FOOMA Award aims to stimulate technological research and development in food machinery and disseminate that technology. The awards promote productivity, resolve labor shortages, and contribute to the development of new food products, enhancing food culture and safety.
This year, the Grand Prize was awarded to Fujiseiki Co., Ltd. for their innovative pasta noodle serving machine, which automates and streamlines the process of measuring and serving noodles. The Excellence Prize was given to Ishida Co., Ltd. for their advanced matching weighing solutions; Shinagawa Machinery Works Co., Ltd. for their vacuum frying technology; Tsukasa Industry for their auto blending and weighing unit; Nippon Career Industry for their meat slicer with automatic packer; and Watanabe Foodmach for their X-ray inspection and meat slicing technologies.
These awards symbolize industry recognition and set benchmarks for quality and innovation, further solidifying Japan’s leading role in the global market.
The Academic Zone was a fascinating space where industry and academia intersected, embodying Japan’s values of excellence and continuous improvement. Researchers and students from top universities presented their latest studies and developments in
food technology. Engaging with these bright minds provided a refreshing perspective and showcased how scientific rigor underpins technological advancements. This collaboration is essential for driving innovation and ensuring the industry’s future growth.
The commitment to innovation was palpable, with groundbreaking research promising to revolutionize food processing techniques.
The Startup Zone was buzzing with energy and creativity, highlighting Japan’s dedication to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Young and emerging companies were pushing the boundaries of food machinery and technology, presenting innovative solutions to current industry challenges. This dynamic space offered startups the opportunity to gain visibility, network with potential investors, and collaborate with established industry players.
The spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship was truly contagious.
Japan’s commitment to nurturing startups is a testament to its forward-thinking approach and readiness to embrace new ideas. The innovative solutions presented in the Startup Zone reflect a blend of cuttingedge technology and traditional Japanese craftsmanship, ensuring precision, reliability, and efficiency.
FOOMA Japan is a testament to innovation, quality, and collaboration in the food
machinery industry. The event encapsulates the “Made in Japan” ethos, showcasing the nation’s commitment to excellence and global leadership readiness. With its diverse range of exhibits, from established companies to groundbreaking startups, FOOMA Japan is paving the way for the future of food technology, ensuring that the industry continues to thrive and evolve.
Attending FOOMA Japan was an opportunity to witness firsthand the advancements shaping the future of food machinery.
International distributors are especially encouraged to source their machinery from Japan, a country synonymous with precision, quality, and innovation.
Looking forward, the next FOOMA Japan will be held from June 10 (Tue) to June 13 (Fri), 2025, at the East Halls of Tokyo Big Sight. This upcoming event promises to offer unparalleled networking opportunities, insights into the latest technological advancements, and a platform for fostering international collaborations.
Don’t miss the chance to be part of this leading event in the food machinery industry.
ASEAN FOOD & BEVERAGE EXHIBITION (FNB ASEAN)
SEPTEMBER 3 - SEPTEMBER 5
IMPACT EXHIBITION CENTRE, BANGKOK, THAILAND
FI ASIA 2024
SEPTEMBER 4 - SEPTEMBER 6
JAKARTA INTERNATIONAL EXPO (JIEXPO), JAKARTA
FI VIETNAM
2024 OCTOBER 9 - OCTOBER 11
SAIGON EXHIBITION & CONVENTION CENTRE (SECC) VIETNAM
ASIA-PACIFIC AGRI-FOOD INNOVATION SUMMIT
NOVEMBER 19 - NOVEMBER 21
MARINA BAY SANDS EXPO & CONVENTION CENTRE, SINGAPORE
AGRI-FOOD TECH EXPO ASIA
NOVEMBER 19 - NOVEMBER 21
MARINA BAY SANDS EXPO & CONVENTION CENTRE, SINGAPORE
FOOD AFRICA DECEMBER 3 - DECEMBER 5
EGYPT INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION CENTER (EIEC)
PACPROCESS MEA 2024
DECEMBER 3 - DECEMBER 5
EGYPT INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION CENTER (EIEC)