Vertical-Farming Company Elevates Flavor of Strawberries
Vertical-farming company Oishii has launched The Koyo Berry. Joining the Omakase Berry as Oishii’s second strawberry, The Koyo Berry brings a new flavor profile to the table.
Meaning “elated” in Japanese, The Koyo Berry is a Japanese cultivar, traditionally grown just outside Tokyo during the winter months. According to the company, the strawberry is marked by its refreshing sweetness, balanced acidity, fragrant aroma and slightly firm texture. Each tray of Koyo Berries is non-GMO, pesticide-free and always in season. The nutrient-rich berries are grown hyper-locally in Oishii’s state-of-the-art indoor vertical farms.
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“When we founded Oishii, we made a promise to set a new standard for how we enjoy produce. The Omakase Berry was an important first step in that journey, and today, we are so proud to introduce The Koyo Berry – which builds on our brand’s legacy for delivering clean, fresh strawberries that are unlike anything you’ve ever tasted before,” said Hiroki Koga, CEO and co-founder of Jersey City, N.J.-based Oishii.
The company currently operates three indoor vertical farms – two outside of the New York City borough of Manhattan and one in Los Angeles. The brand recently opened its flagship Mugen Farm, a 74,000-square-foot facility. Each harvest in the new farm relies on advanced robotics combined with traditional Japanese farming methods, using 60% less energy and 40% less water than first-generation farms.
Oishii introduced its first strawberry, The Omakase Berry, in 2018. The item now retails at Whole Foods Market, among other grocery purveyors. The vertical-farming innovator is currently developing new types of flowering produce.
The Koyo Berry is currently available via FreshDirect in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. The new strawberry will expand to other markets, including Los Angeles, later this year.
“Known for our valued vendor partnerships and quality fresh food, we’re excited to offer these delicious Koyo berries exclusively to our customers – whether they prefer the balanced brightness of The Koyo Berry or the delicate sweetness of The Omakase Berry,” said Mary Mitchell, category merchant, produce at FreshDirect.
Bronx, N.Y.-based FreshDirect services the New York City metro area. Parent company Ahold Delhaize USA is No. 10 on The PG 100, Progressive Grocer’s 2022 list of the top food and consumables retailers in North America.
