Foodservice

Compass Group to bring indoor farms to customer locations

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February 23, 2022

Compass Group plans to introduce indoor farms at its foodservice locations nationwide to allow the foodservice operator to offer locally grown produce, according to a press release.

Through a new partnership with Farmshelf, a manufacturer of indoor hydroponic farms for businesses and homes, Compass Group will soon grow more produce on site that will be served to guests in higher education, K12 schools, businesses, healthcare facilities and event venues.

Each Farmshelf farm has the ability to produce hundreds of pounds of leafy greens and herbs annually, growing two to three times faster and using 90% less water than traditional farming.

Chefs at each location are able to pick from more than 30 foods to grow, including kale and arugula, as well as herbs such as chives and za'atar. Recommended rotation schedules keep produce and herbs growing and harvesting at all times.

The farms also use technology that allow Compass Group chefs and foodservice operations teams to monitor crops via internal growing cameras.