Introduction to Emirates Flight Catering and Bustanica
Emirates Flight Catering, renowned for being one of the largest inflight catering services globally, has taken a significant step by fully acquiring Bustanica, previously known as Emirates Crop One. Situated in close proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central, Bustanica stands out as the world’s largest indoor vertical farm. This 330,000 sq ft facility is at the forefront of revolutionizing agricultural practices by producing over one million kilograms of leafy vegetables annually while consuming 95% less water than traditional farming methods. The range of produce includes various types of lettuce, spinach, parsley, and kale, marking a significant stride towards sustainable food production.
Under the Bustanica brand, the produce is primarily utilized by Emirates Flight Catering to enhance the quality of meals served on Emirates and other airlines at Dubai’s airports. Furthermore, Bustanica’s produce has found its way into major UAE retailers such as Spinney’s, Waitrose, Carrefour, and Choithrams, underlining its growing influence beyond airline catering.
Strategic Impact of the Acquisition
The acquisition by Emirates Flight Catering heralds a new era for Bustanica, transforming it into a fully UAE-owned entity. This move is aligned with the UAE’s strategic goals of bolstering food and water security and advancing agricultural technologies. By leveraging local expertise and cutting-edge technology, including machine learning, artificial intelligence, and various patented technologies, Bustanica is poised to meet the escalating market demands efficiently.
In recognition of its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, Bustanica was named a ‘preferred produce supplier’ for COP28 in November 2023. Since its inception in July 2022, Bustanica has been instrumental in supporting Emirates Flight Catering’s operations, providing 100% pesticide and herbicide-free produce. This not only ensures the highest quality of food but also aligns with global environmental sustainability goals.
Emirates Flight Catering, with its extensive experience in hospitality and catering services, including airline catering, airport dining, and event catering, is set to further solidify its position as a leader in the industry. The acquisition of Bustanica is a testament to Emirates Flight Catering’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence in service.