Emirates Flight Catering now owns world’s largest vertical farm Bustanica

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Emirates Flight Catering, a key figure in the global catering sector, has finalized the acquisition of Emirates Bustanica, previously recognized as Emirates Crop One, along with its consumer-facing brand, Bustanica. This acquisition includes the world’s largest indoor vertical farm.

This strategic maneuver solidifies Emirates Bustanica as a wholly UAE-owned entity, aligning with the nation’s goals of bolstering food and water security and advancing its agricultural capabilities. This acquisition enables Emirates Bustanica to capitalize on its local expertise and cutting-edge technological advancements to cater to the burgeoning market demands.

Situated near Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central, the sprawling 330,000sqft facility of Bustanica has the capacity to cultivate over 1 million kilograms of premium quality leafy greens annually, equivalent to 3 tonnes per day, while drastically reducing water consumption by 95% compared to traditional farming methods.

Operating under the Bustanica brand, the farm’s produce is readily available through major UAE retailers such as Spinney’s, Waitrose, Carrefour, and Choithrams. Passengers on Emirates and other airlines savor the freshness of Bustanica’s produce in their salads and meals.

Since its inception in July 2022, Bustanica has become a prominent fixture in UAE households, offering an expanding array of leafy greens, herbs, and microgreens that are ready-to-eat straight from the packaging to ensure maximum freshness – even tap water can compromise the produce. Bustanica’s offerings are cultivated without the use of pesticides or herbicides, guaranteeing clean, fresh, and nutrient-rich produce including lettuce, spinach, parsley, and kale.

Bustanica relies on advanced technology such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and proprietary innovations, alongside a specialized in-house team comprising agronomy experts, engineers, horticulturists, and plant scientists.

Furthermore, Emirates Bustanica recently gained recognition as a preferred produce supplier for COP28, underscoring its dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

« Back to Page