New Vertical Farm Venture Growing up Tall in Texas

Posted by Paul Rusnak|July 15, 2020

Vertical farming company Kalera is growing up fast – literally. Business leaders announced it will open a new state-of-the-art growing facility in Houston next spring. The new project will be the largest vertical farming facility in Texas and supply one of the nation’s most populous cities with fresh, hydroponic leafy greens year-round.

Kalera’s rapid expansion plan continues to bear fruit. News of the new facility comes just two months after plans were revealed by the company about a huge vertical farm project in Atlanta. Earlier this year, Kalera also opened its second farm in Orlando. That makes four farms and counting in the portfolio.

While Kalera’s Atlanta unit will be the highest production volume vertical farm in the Southeast U.S., the new Houston facility will be even larger and will generate dozens of new jobs for the local community. And according to Kalera, its Houston farm’s lettuce will be available at retailers and foodservice distributors as well as through the hospitality and travel industry.

“In light of the global pandemic and seemingly endless food safety recalls, today, more than ever, consumers are demanding food that is local and that they can trust,” says Daniel Malechuk, CEO of Kalera. “Houston presents Kalera with a wonderful market for our produce, as it allows us to not only supply one of the largest cities in America, but also service cities throughout the region including Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, and New Orleans. Since we can easily supply produce within hours of harvest from this location to surrounding cities, Kalera can ensure the highest quality and freshness by delivering product to customers within hours of harvest, rather than days or weeks.”