Swegreen and Ica Maxi Stenhagen Establish Uppsala's First In-Store Farm
With the goal of becoming self-sufficient in leafy greens, Ica Maxi Stenhagen, in collaboration with Swegreen, has launched Uppsala's first in-store farm. Now, customers can purchase climate-smart, locally grown, freshly harvested herbs and salads all year round.
By installing Swegreen’s indoor farming system, designed for grocery stores, Ica Maxi Stenhagen takes another important step toward a sustainable planet and makes it easier for its customers to shop more sustainably. The global climate crisis, rising CO2 emissions, population growth, and the impending shortage of arable land are major topics of societal debate today. There is no doubt that innovative farming methods are a key part of the solution.
"In our efficient in-store farm, a grocery store can harvest up to 450 crops per day. The store gains the ability to produce its own freshly harvested crops, grown in a climate-smart way with world-leading technology," says Swegreen CEO Pierre Mohlin.
With the investment in Swegreen's in-store farm, Ica Maxi Stenhagen takes an important developmental step. By growing leafy greens and herbs inside the store, right in front of customers, the store can offer locally grown, completely fresh, flavorful, and nutritious vegetables year-round. The crops grow from seed to fully mature plants inside the farm, which customers can observe through glass walls. Growing hydroponically in a controlled environment means that the roots grow through a cube of rockwool into nutrient-rich water instead of soil. In the facility, each plant type receives the climate it needs for optimal growth.
"Our in-store farm is actually the world's most efficient in-store farming system. There is no need for transportation, and because the system is closed, the crops don’t require any pesticides," says Pierre Mohlin.
Swegreen’s climate-smart in-store farming offers numerous benefits for retailers, the environment, and consumers. The carbon dioxide that the crops need to grow comes from the air exhaled by customers in the store, and energy, water, and nutrients are all recycled within the farm. Excess heat from the LED lights is used to heat parts of the store, and since the crops don't need to be transported any further than from the growing room to the store shelf, the farm helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
"When I see the in-store farm here in our store, it feels like the future is here. At the same time, it’s a natural progression. We know that fruits and vegetables are important to our customers, as is locally produced food. With our own farming system, we take our customers' wishes seriously and demonstrate that we are an innovative store offering a strong customer experience," says Ica Maxi Stenhagen's Deputy CEO Gabriel Purbe.
The in-store farm has been operational for a few weeks now, and the staff have noticed that customers are starting to take notice of this exciting venture.
"My expectations are, of course, high, and I’m delighted that the in-store farm has already become a talking point among our customers," says Gabriel Purbe.
For more information, contact:
Pierre Mohlin, CEO Swegreen, pierre.mohlin@swegreen.se, +46 708-155678
Gabriel Purbe, Deputy CEO Ica Maxi Stenhagen, gabriel.purbe@maxi.ica.se, +46 18-677501
Facts about Swegreen’s In-Store Farm for Ica Maxi Stenhagen:
The growing room is 60 square meters in size, with crops grown vertically on four levels.
The irrigation system is circular - water and nutrients that are not absorbed by the plants are recycled.
All crops grow from seed to fully mature plants inside the farm, with no transportation required.
The farm is fully enclosed; staff wear protective suits, and advanced technology minimizes the risk of bacteria and pests.
About Swegreen
Founded in 2019, Swegreen has rapidly grown to become Sweden's leading company in vertical in-store farming. Swegreen's unique offering is the world's most efficient hydroponic indoor farm, designed primarily for grocery stores. The company provides a subscription-based farming service, Farming-as-a-Service (FaaS).
Through a combination of data science, innovative technology, and agricultural expertise, Swegreen’s farms produce the healthiest, most flavorful, and climate-smartly grown salads and herbs on the market.