Geant, part of French retailing giant Group Casino, has tied up with the world’s largest Dubai-based hydroponic farm, Bustanica.
As part of the deal, Bustanica farm, created for Emirates Crop One, will supply locally-sourced organic leafy vegetables, like lettuce, arugula, spinach and mixed salad greens, to all Geant outlets across the UAE.
Mohammed A. Baker, deputy chairman and CEO at GMG, said: “We are proud to announce our partnership with Emirates Flight Catering, which comes at a strategic time as the UAE government ramps up its plans to achieve its ambitious food security goals.
“This crucial partnership aligns with GMG’s vision to cover the entire food consumption chain from farm to fork. Through the GMG Food and GMG Consumer Goods divisions, we are committed to enhancing and adding value to our consumers’ well-being as we aim to become a leading marketer of local food products.”
In April, GMG, boasting 35 billion in revenues, bought the Geant chain from Dubai Holding’s Urban Foods, acquiring 18 hypermarket and supermarket locations in the UAE, as well as exclusive rights for the brand expansion across the Middle East.
President of consumer goods at GMG, Marc Laurent, said: “We are delighted to offer Bustanica’s innovative and vertical farm produce to our customers and further exceed their expectations for high-quality fresh food products. Offering a large variety of locally sourced indoor-grown greens is yet another milestone in fulfilling our long-term commitment towards a more sustainable future.”
Compared to conventional farms, Bustanica vertical farming technology uses 95 per cent less water, thanks to harnessing artificial intelligence instruments, the statement said.
“Imagine fresh, crunchy, delicious, nutritious, chemical-free greens all year round – that’s exactly the promise Bustanica delivers every single day,” said Kieran Dowd, general manager of Emirates Crop One.
“In fact, we recommend you eat the greens straight from the box, even washing will contaminate them! We believe the farm and the technology that drives it, are the future of agriculture and food security. We are proud to partner with Géant, a like-minded partner that is aligned with our commitments to bringing sustainable farming to a diverse customer base and contributing to the well-being of both our planet and people.”
GMG has also been promoting its original food brands Farm Fresh and Klassic.
