World’s Largest Vertical Strawberry Farm Is Now Open for Business
May 19, 2022 Vertical farming company Oishii announced it has opened its largest and most technologically advanced farm yet to meet the growing demand for its ‘Omakase’ berries. Located in Jersey City, NJ, the new farm spans more than 74,000 square feet to exclusively grow the company’s strawberries.
Reflecting the brand’s commitment to sustainability, Oishii repurposed a former Anheuser-Busch factory, transforming it into the company’s flagship farm of the future and new headquarters. Each harvest from the world’s largest vertical strawberry farm relies on advanced robotics and automation, as well as 60% less energy and 40% less water than first generation technology. By introducing this innovation to its already advanced farming methods, Oishii is able to pass on significant value to its customers.
Beginning today, Oishii’s Omakase Berries will be $20 for trays of 11 medium berries or eight large berries, $11 for trays of six medium berries, and $6 for trays of three medium berries. The special-edition First Flower Berry will remain at $50 for a tray of six.
“At Oishii, we are committed to revolutionize the future of food by offering the best-tasting produce, grown in a way we believe is better for people and better for the planet,” says Hiroki Koga, CEO and Co-Founder of Oishii. Today marks an important step in making good on that promise. We’ve worked hard to pioneer advanced technology that unlocks a substantially more efficient way to grow our unrivaled strawberries. Our largest farm yet pairs the next frontier of indoor farming innovation with the care and precision of centuries-old Japanese farming techniques. We can’t wait for more people to enjoy an endless strawberry season with the ‘Omakase’ berry at its new price and its new home at Whole Foods Market.”
Oishii first introduced the ‘Omakase’ berry in 2018, when it quickly caught the attention of both Michelin-starred chefs and consumers for its sweetness, aroma, and creamy texture. The Japanese cultivar is grown in Oishii’s three indoor vertical farms, which strives to marry nature, technology, and farming techniques perfected for decades in the foothills of Japan.
The company was the first to grow vertically farmed strawberries for consumers – considered to be the most sophisticated crops to farm because of their long cultivation cycles. The company perfected the fruit through its first-of-its-kind pollination method, conducted naturally with bees. The hyper-locally grown produce is farmed without pesticides and is perfectly ripe year-round.
The new farm signals a bright future for Oishii and comes on the heels of momentous growth for the company. In October 2021, Oishii made its West Coast debut with the opening of their Los Angeles farm, marking the first time ‘Omakase’ berries were available outside of the greater New York area. The company also closed a $50 million Series A funding round in February 2021. Oishii is currently in development on new strawberry varietals, as well as other types of flowering produce and vine fruits, such as tomatoes, melons, and peppers.
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