UMAMI builds new farm in Zurich

UMAMI plans to increase its production capacity fivefold. The young company, which specializes in the indoor farming of microgreens and herbs, is building a new farm in Zurich. The funds for this were raised in a Series A financing round, UMAMI announced in a press release. Specifically, the financing round raised 4.3 million Swiss francs for the company.

Microgreens are plants in a growth stage between shoots and full-grown plants. At this stage, the plant is characterized by a very high content of essential oils, vitamins, proteins and minerals. UMAMI's microgreens and herbs are currently produced in an industrial hall in Zurich Altstetten.

"More and more customers are looking for local, pesticide-free products that they can rely on all year round," UMAMI co-founder Denis Weinberg is quoted as saying in the press release. "Our increased production capacity allows us to meet this growing demand while maintaining the highest standards of sustainability and taste."

The new farm is planned as a biological recirculation system. It is said to require 90 percent less water and 89 percent less land than conventional greenhouses. The growing microgreens and herbs are fertilized with an organic fertilizer developed and produced by UMAMI itself.

UMAMI also plans to set up a research and development department at the new farm. The cultivation of new products is to be developed here. The communication cites tomatoes and strawberries as examples. ce/hs