Market Trends of Hydroponics Nutrients Industry
Tomatoes Are Widely Cultivated Through Hydroponics
Tomatoes are one of the most widely cultivated crops using hydroponic systems worldwide. These systems have proven commercially successful for seed propagation, germination, and tomato production. Hydroponic cultivation allows growers to control the environment, reducing disease risks, accelerating growth, and increasing fruit yield. Recognizing this potential, domestic tomato producers in various countries are rapidly expanding or starting hydroponic operations. For example, in 2024, Novagric implemented a hydroponic greenhouse project for tomato cultivation in Eastern Europe, offering agronomist engineer assistance to support entrepreneurs.
Different growth phases of tomatoes require specific nutritional needs, necessitating tailored nutrient solutions for each developmental stage. This approach optimizes growth and drives the hydroponic nutrient market, contributing to the overall market's commercialization. Medium and large-scale growers are the primary players in hydroponic tomato production. Future market dynamics, including technological advancements and regulatory changes, will influence the hydroponic tomato market's direction. Rockwool is the most commonly used medium for hydroponic tomato cultivation. For example, the ICL group has "Fertiflow Tomato-II" a water-soluble nutrition product for hydroponic tomato production. As tomato productivity increases through hydroponic methods, the market for hydroponic nutrients is expected to grow in the coming years.
North America has Significant Opportunities' for Market Growth
The rising demand for greenhouse tomatoes in the US is fueling the growth of hydroponic operations, especially in urban areas like New York. High-end food establishments are driving this trend, as consumers are willing to pay more for premium quality hydroponically grown vegetables. This growing demand is encouraging producers to shift towards hydroponic methods. North America accounts for approximately 35% of the vertical farming market, and according to Agri Farming, over 2,300 farms in the United States are growing hydroponic crops.
In Canada, glasshouses primarily use hydroponics for vegetable cultivation. In response to changing consumer preferences and concerns about food pricing and availability, greenhouses are emerging nationwide. Canadian hydroponic systems, using rock wool, perlite, and Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) methods, cultivate tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers. Canadian commercial vegetable producers prefer hydroponics due to its efficiency in managing larger production areas and controlling inputs, diseases, and pests. For example, in 2023, Ottawa-based company Growcer Inc. operated more than 70 hydroponic farms producing 10 million servings of vegetables across Canada.
In Mexico, hydroponic systems predominantly utilize drip irrigation and the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT). The main hydroponic crops, chosen for their profitability, include lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, and strawberries. While Rockwool is not commonly used across North America, it is essential for tomato cultivation in Mexico's drip irrigation systems. The country faces compounded challenges, including arid conditions and limited groundwater availability, which affect two-thirds of its geography and strain water resources. These challenges create a significant opportunity for the vertical farming industry in Mexico. The highest concentration of hydroponic installations per acre is found in Mexico's Distrito Federal province.
