"We're constructing fully autonomous farms alongside manual farms across Japan and Southeast Asia. Our goal is to stay at the forefront of vertical farming innovations, which is why we have a co-research farm based in Osaka, collaborating with the local university on the most current research," says Hernan Ocampos, the Section Head of the Food Tech Department at Espec Mic Corp.

Espec Mic has been involved in horticulture and vertical farming since 1988, Espec Mic and has expanded its expertise to include climate chambers, greenhouses, vertical farms, hydroponics, nurseries, growing cabinets, and urban greening solutions.

Working closely with universities and other research institutions, Espec Mic aims to develop niche products such as its low-potassium lettuce. "We partner with companies like DHC to ensure our nutrient solutions are of the highest quality."

Product diversification
How do you differentiate yourself in this market? "Our low-potassium lettuce is sold at 3 to 4 times the price of other vertical farm operators. Other vertical farms sell their produce for 150 yen per pack of 100 grams, whereas ours is sold at 500 yen per 100 grams," Hernan explains. Producing a low-potassium lettuce requires different nutrient solutions and is much of a niche. Espec Mic decided to launch his premium product for people who cannot consume vegetables as it contains too much potassium. "Sold at an added value, people are willing to pay a premium for it."

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For more information:
Espec Mic Corp
Hernan Ocampus, Head of the Food Tech Department
h-ocampos@especmic.co.jp
www.especmic.co.jp

This article series is in collaboration with:
Japan Plant Factory Association
Eri Hayashi, President
ehayashi@npoplantfactory.org
www.npoplantfactory.org

Publication date: Thu 8 Aug 2024
Author: Rebekka Boekhout
© HortiDaily.com