Greene King – 2023

Greene King will be serving more sustainable, home-grown food in 2023 and beyond thanks to their partnership with a local supplier who specialises in vertical farming.  

Fischer Farms uses the innovative vertical farming method to grow high-quality leafy greens and herbs. In April 2023 fresh, vertically farmed basil will be introduced to menus in 1,600 Greene King managed pubs. This new supply will mean there is no need to import the herb from abroad, saving on air freight and food miles. 

Greene King is starting with vertically farmed basil and hope to add chives and further herbs, as well as leafy greens such as lamb’s lettuce and watercress later in 2023. 

Thanks to the ground-breaking technology crops can be grown all-year round in undercover racked trays which are stacked in tall layers. The bio-secure farm has a small land footprint compared to traditional farming and is fuelled by sustainable energy. With controlled light, temperature and irrigation, it simulates the best growing conditions resulting in high-quality crops.  

Further benefits of vertical farming are that it is not affected by changes in the weather and it is disease free, so there is little waste and no need to use pesticides. 

Greene King has committed to a 50% reduction of scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions (direct and indirect) by 2030 through Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi) and a net zero target of 2040.