Europe Vertical Farming Market Outlook, 2029

All crops grown via vertical farming methods are usually over 95% water efficient compared to crops grown through conventional agricultural processes. Instead of growing crops horizontally on the field, this technology grows crops in vertical and stacked layers without impacting water and land resources. Due to increasing industrialization across the European region, many arable lands are at greater risk. This soilless farming technique has gained a lot of traction in Europe. Furthermore, because most crops are grown without the use of pesticides, it contributes to better public health over time; thus, consumers can expect zero-pesticide produce.

In Europe, various plant factories are typically referred to as 'vertical farms.' Moreover, it is a young, dynamic, and ever-changing sector across the region. The number of vertical farms in Europe is relatively small, but this sector is increasing rapidly. Europe has been at the forefront of implementing advanced technologies into the vertical farming industry. The European Union (EU) promotes alternative and sustainable agriculture practices. In 2018, the EU presented the proposal for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform that introduces a new way to modernize and simplify the EU’s agriculture policy. Similarly, the EU has invested in long-term projects to promote urban agriculture across the region.

According to the research report, 'Europe Vertical Farming Market Outlook, 2029,', the Europe Vertical Farming market is anticipated to add to more than USD 3.23 Billion by 2024-29. The major driving forces for the European market are the growing consumer demand for organic foods and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). In addition to that, an increase in new start-ups across the region has led to a rise in major investments. For instance, Nordic Harvest A/S (Denmark) has established a huge 7000 m2 production plant consisting of rows of green salads and herbs that rise to 14 levels. This is considered to be the largest vertical farm in the European region.

Further, the European region is segmented into six prominent countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands. Among these countries, the United Kingdom is anticipated to lead the European market during the forecast period. Vertical farming technology has gained a lot of momentum across the UK in recent years as vertical farms are being set up in various cities across the country. Furthermore, private and public funds are heavily invested in alternative farming in the United Kingdom, with the goal of promoting and integrating vertical farming into urban areas. Edinburgh-based company Shockingly Fresh has opened a vertical farm in Oldham and has many more plants to open such vertical farms across the country. Also, plans for a huge 32-acre site in West Calder, Scotland are now moving ahead. This facility is anticipated to produce around 30 million plants each year, and it could be the largest vertical farm in the UK. On the other hand, a new multi-million pound farm is being built in Lydney in Western England. This farm will offer 148,000 square feet of growing space. It will be approximately the same size as almost seventy tennis courts and able to supply 1000 tonnes plus of fresh products to thousands of UK superstores.

The growth of the European vertical farming market is significantly influenced by three primary growth mechanisms: hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaponics. Hydroponics, which involves growing plants in nutrient-rich water without soil, remains the most widely adopted method due to its efficiency and scalability. This technique minimizes the risk of soil-borne diseases and allows for precise control over nutrient delivery, making it ideal for urban settings where space is limited. Aeroponics, on the other hand, enhances this approach by suspending plant roots in air and misting them with nutrient solutions, promoting faster growth rates and reduced water usage.

This method is gaining traction as it offers significant resource savings and is particularly suited for high-value crops. Aquaponics combines hydroponics with aquaculture, creating a symbiotic environment where fish waste provides nutrients for plants, while plants help filter and purify the water for fish. This integrated system is appealing for its sustainability and ability to produce both fish and vegetables simultaneously. The overarching trend across these mechanisms is the increasing consumer demand for fresh, locally sourced produce, driven by health consciousness and environmental concerns.

The European vertical farming market is segmented into building-based and container-based structures, each offering unique advantages. The building-based segment dominates the market, utilizing repurposed warehouses or newly constructed facilities designed for vertical farming. This model allows for scalability and is favored by major players due to its capacity for large-scale operations, despite requiring significant upfront investment. In contrast, the container-based segment, primarily involving retrofitted shipping containers, is rapidly gaining traction. This approach is attractive for its modularity and lower initial costs, making it accessible for new entrants.

Notably, container farms can be deployed in various locations, enhancing flexibility. Trends in this market reflect a growing consumer preference for locally sourced, organic produce, driven by heightened awareness of sustainable practices and healthy lifestyles. The demand for fresh, pesticide-free crops is propelling innovations in both segments, with hydroponics being the most prevalent technology used. Moreover, advancements in automation and climate control are streamlining operations and improving yields across both structures. As urbanization intensifies in Europe, these farming methods are becoming essential solutions to food production challenges posed by limited arable land and climate change, positioning vertical farming as a pivotal player in the future of agriculture in the region.

COVID-19 Impact

In the case of a pandemic, Europe, especially France, witnessed an unprecedented impact due to increasing corona cases. That led to the discontinuation of food and beverage producing activities across the region. Due to this factor, in the early months of 2020, demands for crop production through vertical farming were impacted. Moreover, the decline in overall production activities has impacted consumer preference. A similar trend was witnessed in other emerging economies across the region. However, by the first quarter of 2021, the market growth for the vertical farming industry is expected to rise due to growing demand for organic food.

Considered in this report

• Geography: Europe
• Historic Year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report

• Europe Vertical Farming Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Country wise Vertical Farming market analysis
• Application wise Vertical Farming distribution
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Countries covered in the report

• Germany
• United Kingdom
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Netherlands

Based on Growth Mechanism of vertical farming in the report

• Hydroponics
• Aeroponics
• Aquaponics

Based on structure type of vertical farming in the report

• Building based-vertical farming
• Shipping based-vertical farming

The approach of the report

This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analysing the government generated reports and databases.

After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to agricultural industry, food & beverage industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.

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