Trends Spotlight from RI 2021: How Leaders are Surviving and Thriving by Adhering to Sustainable Practices

For almost two decades, McMillanDoolittle has been tracking cutting edge concepts from around the world. Retail Innovations 2021 includes 50 cases from 15 countries categorized into the following four trends: omni-integration, extreme convenience, extreme experience, and sustainable practices.

The trend we’re spotlighting today is Sustainable Practices. Conscious consumers are a large and growing segment of the population, looking to align with brands and retailers that reflect their values. This mindful consumer is driving an industry-wide shift in favor of brands and products that are adhering to sustainable business practices. The concepts featured in RI 2021 for their excellence in sustainability reflect their responsible practices throughout the entire value chain and are transparent with the consumer about the ways they support their people, the planet, animal welfare, etc.

This week, we are excited to share a unique new concept out of Berlin called Infarm, which is transforming the supply chain with their farm-as-a-service model.

Image Source: Bloomberg

Infarm

German startup Infarm, is revolutionizing food production with their vertical farms and unique farm-as-a-service business model that supplies retailers and restaurants with fresh, local, and sustainably grown ingredients.

Born from a growing demand for fresh, regional products, there are currently 1,000 modular Infarm vertical farms in retail stores where customers can purchase greens and herbs directly.

Image Source: GG

By 2025, Infarm is expected to become the largest distributed farming network in the world and account for 5,000,000 square feet of vertical farming space across Europe, North America, and Europe, playing a key role in helping cities become self-sufficient in their food production.

Image Source: Fast Company

Why We are Inspired.  Infarm’s next generation, vertical cloud-connected farms integrate advancements in farming, engineering, and technology to meaningfully contribute to a more sustainable food system. Their method saves labor, land, water, energy, and food-miles.

Sustainability in retail is more important now than ever before. Contact us today to learn more about our expertise helping regional and global brands, retailers, and sustainable packaging suppliers prepare their businesses for a sustainably led future.

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Download Your Copy of Retail Innovations 2021 here.