DELFT, Netherlands,
June 10, 2019 /PRNewswire/
-- Infinite Acres today announced that Ocado Group (LSE:
OCDO), the world's largest dedicated online grocery retailer, has
signed a memorandum of understanding to partner in a world-class,
full-service solution for the challenges and opportunities
confronting indoor horticulture and agriculture.
The independent joint venture also includes: Netherlands-based Priva Holding BV, a leading
provider of technology solutions, services and automation systems
to horticultural and other industries; and U.S.-based 80 Acres
Farms, a leader in technology-assisted indoor growing and a
multi-farm operator marketing a wide variety of freshly-harvested
vegetables including vine crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers and
peppers; leafy greens; and fruits such strawberries.
Infinite Acres' mission www.infinite-acres.com is to provide the
best technology available to grow the highest quality produce near
population centers throughout the world -- including in places
where year-round nutritious produce is in short supply due to
climate and growing conditions or must be transported considerably
long distances. Ocado, based in the United Kingdom, brings to the partnership its
Ocado Solutions division, a global technology provider known for
innovative software and hardware systems, robotics, automation, and
artificial intelligence.
"Our three partner companies provide an unbiased form of
collaboration. From concept to consumers' tables, we bring a
unique value proposition to this underserved marketplace," said
Tisha Livingston, chief executive
officer of Infinite Acres. "Infinite Acres believes its
integrated solutions will have a considerable impact on the
profitability, and competitiveness of food service industry
customers everywhere -- growers, distributors, retailers, and
governments – who seek the cleanest, healthy, pesticide-free
produce for consumers. We look forward to collaborating with
other strategic partners that have the same goals for the
industry."
Tim Steiner, chief executive
officer of Ocado, said: "We believe that our investments today in
vertical farming will allow us to address fundamental consumer
concerns on freshness and sustainability and build on new
technologies that will revolutionize the way customers access fresh
produce. Our hope ultimately is to co-locate vertical farms
within or next to our Customer Fulfillment Centres and Ocado Zoom's
micro-fulfillment centres so that we can offer the very freshest
and most sustainable produce that could be delivered to a
customers' kitchen within an hour of it being picked."
Meiny Prins, chief executive officer of Priva, said: "Cities are
beginning to realize that they need to integrate the production of
food into their plans for urban development, to be able to provide
healthy and nutritious food for their inhabitants. Infinite
Acres provides solutions that support overcoming the challenges of
growing fresh produce in an urbanizing world by bringing it closer
to its consumers."
Mike Zelkind, chief executive of
80 Acres Farms, said: "This is an amazing combination of best of
breed companies. Priva and 80 Acres Farms provide extensive
horticulture, engineering, operational, and food industry
expertise. Along with Ocado's predictive analytics, automation and
comprehensive system development, the partnership will provide its
customers with everything from state of the art facilities with
uniquely developed crop recipes and the right unit economics to an
option for facility management with yield guarantees, product
packaging, branding, marketing, and distribution. 80 Acres
Farms will offer these options for customers seeking an operating
partner."
Infinite Acres will have a stand located at 08.442VF at this
week's GreenTech Amsterdam.
About Ocado
Ocado is a U.K. based company admitted to
trading on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: OCDO). It comprises one
of the world's largest dedicated online grocery retailers,
operating its own grocery and general merchandise retail businesses
under Ocado.com and other specialist shop banners, together with
its Ocado Solutions division. Ocado Solutions is responsible for
corporate partnerships, providing the Ocado Smart Platform (OSP) as
a service to retailers around the world. OSP comprises access to
Ocado's physical infrastructure solutions, running highly efficient
warehouse operations for the single pick of products, together with
the entire end-to-end proprietary software applications required to
operate a world class online grocery business. For more
information, visit www.ocado.com.
About 80 Acres Farms
80 Acres Farms is focused
on being the best operator in the world of indoor farming
facilities that achieve the highest quality and consistency of
year-round produce. Its extensive produce growing, food
manufacturing, marketing and distribution experience, and mastery
of automation drives continuous high-quality production and
operational efficiency leading to improved unit economics.
Utilizing state of the art proprietary technologies, including
modular grow zones, customized LED lighting, precisely-tuned
climate controls, and an artificial intelligence powered growing
system, the Company is able to offer customers flavorful, and
nutritious locally grown fruits and vegetables at affordable
prices. Based in Cincinnati, Ohio,
the company was founded by veteran food industry executives
Mike Zelkind and Tisha Livingston who are supported by a deep
team and a board of directors representing executive and leadership
experience at leading food, healthcare, and other companies.
For more information, visit www.80acresfarms.com.
About Priva
Priva is a high-tech company that
develops hardware, software and services in the field of climate
control, energy saving and optimal reuse of water. Priva's market
covers the fields of horticulture, indoor and city farming, and
utility buildings such as offices, retail, hotels and hospitals.
With nearly 500 colleagues, 16 local offices in 13 countries, and
more than 450 international installation partners, Priva delivers
sustainable solutions and services in more than 100
countries. For more information, visit www.priva.com.
Contact:
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Priva:
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Natasha
Snellens
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communications@priva.nl
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+31 174 52
2867
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80 Acres
Farms:
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Rebecca
Haders
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rebecca.haders@eafarms.com
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+01 513 910
9089
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Ocado:
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David
Shriver
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david.shriver@ocado.com
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Infinite
Acres:
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Jack
Modzelewski
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jack@jackknifePR.com
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+01 312 259
2792
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SOURCE 80 Acres Farms