Emirates Flight Catering Acquires Bustanica, World’s Largest Indoor Vertical Farm

Emirates Flight Catering, a leading global catering operation, has announced its full acquisition of Bustanica, formerly known as Emirates Crop One, along with its consumer brand Bustanica, marking a significant milestone in the UAE’s agricultural sector. 

With this acquisition, Bustanica becomes a 100% UAE-owned agriculture venture, reinforcing the country’s commitment to food and water security and advancing its agricultural capabilities.

The strategic move positions Emirates Bustanica to capitalize on its local expertise and cutting-edge technology to meet the growing demands of the market. 

Located near Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central, Bustanica’s expansive 330,000-square-foot facility has the capacity to produce over 1 million kilograms of high-quality leafy greens annually, equivalent to 3 tonnes daily, while utilizing 95% less water than conventional agriculture methods.

Under the Bustanica brand, the farm-fresh produce is readily available across major retailers in the UAE, including Spinney’s, Waitrose, Carrefour, and Choithrams. 

Additionally, customers flying with Emirates and other airlines can enjoy these premium greens in their salads and meals, highlighting the farm’s commitment to providing fresh and nutritious options.

Since its inception in July 2022, Bustanica has gained prominence in UAE households, offering a diverse range of pesticide-free leafy greens, herbs, and microgreens. 

Notably, Bustanica’s produce is grown in a controlled environment without the use of pesticides or herbicides, ensuring 100% cleanliness, freshness, and nutrient richness.

Driven by cutting-edge technology such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and patented agricultural techniques, Bustanica boasts a highly specialized team comprising agronomy experts, engineers, horticulturists, and plant scientists.

Emirates Bustanica’s dedication to sustainability and environmental responsibility has garnered recognition, with the farm recently being selected as a preferred produce supplier for COP28, underscoring its commitment to sustainable farming practices.

The acquisition of Bustanica by Emirates Flight Catering underscores the UAE’s ambition to lead the way in agricultural innovation and sustainability, paving the path for a more resilient and food-secure future.