Vertical farming cabins offer significant opportunities for fresh fruit and vegetable supply in cities. In the global food supply chain, transportation accounts for about 19% of total carbon emissions. Transporting fruits and vegetables in particular makes up 36% of food transport emissions due to cold chain requirements. Research shows that fresh produce travels an average of 1,500 miles to reach consumers; this long distance reduces flavor and nutritional value. A European study found that up to 40% of products turn into waste due to complex supply chains, while the remaining produce loses nutritional value before consumption.

Vertical farming provides a solution. AgriLava GrowBox smart farming cabins enable production close to consumption points, delivering fresh products quickly. With shorter logistics chains, spoilage decreases and consumers receive fresher products. For example, a European project estimated that the launch of 20 urban farming facilities could prevent around 9,000 tons of food waste and 62,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually by 2025.

Key advantages include:

• Maximum Freshness: Products are sold immediately after harvest, preserving vitamins and flavor. Vegetables grown in city cabins stay much fresher compared to those transported long distances by trucks.

• Reduced Food Waste: Local production shortens the time from harvest to consumer, lowering spoilage and waste. (In the PlantLab example, urban farming showed major reductions in waste and CO2.)

• Year-Round Supply: Climate-controlled systems eliminate seasonal limits. Vegetables can be grown in any season, based on local demand.

The vertical farming market is growing rapidly – from USD 6.92 billion in 2024, it is expected to reach about USD 50.10 billion by 2032.

AZR’s AgriLava GrowBox units provide container-based portable farming spaces. They bring farm-to-table freshness to cities: greens, lettuce, peppers, and more can be harvested within weeks. With AgriLava, retailers and consumers enjoy the comfort of receiving “farm-fresh” products almost directly to their doorstep. This shortens the supply chain, lowers costs and carbon footprint, and delivers delicious local products to the table.
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