Transforming Food Production with iGrow
How I led a groundbreaking venture at Rijk Zwaan with an innovative business strategy to address the world’s growing demand for clean, local produce.
iGrow combines hydroponics, smart LED lighting, and controlled environments to eliminate traditional farming challenges. By growing vegetables in recyclable, food-safe packaging, it simplifies the supply chain, reduces water use by up to 70%, and provides fresh, locally-grown produce year-round. No agricultural expertise required.
My Contributions:
Strategic Leadership: Managed cross-functional teams to develop iGrow’s product, technology, and business model, ensuring alignment with corporate sustainability goals.
Marketing Excellence: Designed and executed a marketing strategy that elevated iGrow's brand identity and user experience, from tone of voice to packaging design.
Sustainability-Driven Solutions: Addressed challenges like single-use plastics by collaborating with suppliers to create renewable cardboard packaging with peelable, recyclable liners.
Stakeholder Management: Worked with directors, growers, and design agencies to co-create a viable business model and secure a proof of concept.
iGrow redefines the vegetable supply chain, empowering high-tech entrepreneurs to grow clean, sustainable crops profitably anywhere. With a production capacity of over 2.5 million portions annually, it offers a scalable solution for urban agriculture, especially in regions like Asia where demand for fresh, clean food is soaring.
Results:
Developed a circular packaging solution aligned with environmental goals.
Filed two patents for innovative cultivation and packaging methods.
Created a proof-of-concept showroom showcasing iGrow’s scalability and value.
Designed a business model that integrates sustainability without disrupting Rijk Zwaan’s existing client base of traditional growers.
