Emirates Flight Catering Completes Acquisition of Bustanica, World’s Largest Indoor Vertical Farm
The acquisition makes Bustanica a 100% UAE-owned agriculture venture
(IN SHORT) Emirates Flight Catering has finalized the acquisition of Emirates Bustanica, formerly known as Emirates Crop One, solidifying its status as the world’s largest indoor vertical farm. This strategic move reinforces the UAE’s commitment to bolstering food security and agricultural capabilities. Situated near Dubai World Central, the 330,000sqft facility utilizes cutting-edge technology to cultivate over 1 million kilograms of premium leafy greens annually, with significantly reduced water usage compared to traditional farming methods. Operating under the Bustanica brand, the farm’s produce is available in major UAE retailers and is served on Emirates flights, offering customers farm-fresh, pesticide-free greens rich in nutrients. Powered by advanced technology and a dedicated team, Bustanica exemplifies sustainability and innovation in agriculture, recently earning recognition as a preferred produce supplier for COP28.
(PRESS RELEASE) Dubai, UAE, 2024-Feb-21 — /Travel PR News/ — Emirates Flight Catering, one of the world’s largest catering operations, has fully acquired Emirates Bustanica, formerly called Emirates Crop One, and its consumer brand Bustanica, the world’s largest indoor vertical farm.
This strategic move establishes Emirates Bustanica as a fully UAE-owned company, helping sustain the country’s vision of enhancing food and water security and its agricultural capabilities. The acquisition empowers Emirates Bustanica to leverage its local expertise and the latest tech know-how to meet the growing demands of the market.
Located near Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central, Bustanica’s 330,000sqft facility has the capacity to grow more than 1 million kilograms of exceptional quality leafy greens a year, equivalent to 3 tonnes daily, while using 95% less water than conventional agriculture.
Operating under the brand name Bustanica, the produce is available across all major retailers in the UAE such as Spinney’s, Waitrose, Carrefour, and Choithrams. Customers on Emirates and other airlines enjoy this farm-fresh produce in their salads and meals.
Since its launch in July 2022, Bustanica has become a part of UAE’s dinner table conversations, thanks to its growing range of leafy greens, herbs and microgreens that can and should be eaten straight out of the box – even tap water can contaminate the produce. Bustanica’s produce is grown without pesticides or herbicides, and is 100% clean, fresh, and nutrient-rich. Bustanica produces a variety of lettuce, spinach, parsley, and kale.
Bustanica is driven by powerful technology – machine learning, artificial intelligence, and other patented technologies – and a highly specialised in-house team that includes agronomy experts, engineers, horticulturists, and plant scientists.
More recently, Emirates Bustanica was a preferred produce supplier for COP28, a recognition of its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
About Emirates Flight Catering
Operating the largest flight catering facility in the world at Dubai International Airport, Emirates Flight Catering (EKFC) is a global leader in aviation hospitality. EKFC offers a comprehensive range of services, including airline catering, airport dining, private dining and event catering, food supplies to the HORECA and hospitality industries, complemented by support services such as laundry. Renowned for its commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability, EKFC consistently delivers exceptional culinary experiences tailored to the discerning tastes of consumers worldwide. With cutting-edge facilities, a dedicated team of culinary experts, and state-of-the-art technology, EKFC continues to set the standard for premium dining across the aviation and wider hospitality industries.
About Emirates
The Emirates story started in 1985 when we launched operations with just two aircraft. Today, we fly the world’s biggest fleets of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s, offering our customers the comforts of the latest and most efficient wide-body aircraft in the skies.
We inspire travelers around the world with our growing network of worldwide destinations, industry leading inflight entertainment, regionally inspired cuisine, and world-class service.
Media Contact:
Email: pr@emirates.com
Source: Emirates
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