Market Trends of Hydroponics Nutrients Industry
Tomatoes Are Widely Cultivated Through Hydroponics
Tomatoes are extensively cultivated using hydroponic systems globally. These systems have demonstrated commercial success in seed propagation, germination, and tomato production. Hydroponic cultivation enables growers to control the environment, thereby reducing disease risks, accelerating growth, and increasing fruit yield. Recognizing this potential, domestic tomato producers in various countries are rapidly expanding or initiating hydroponic operations. In 2024, Novagric implemented a hydroponic greenhouse project for tomato cultivation in Eastern Europe, providing 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 participants in hydroponic tomato production. Future market dynamics, including technological advancements and regulatory changes, will influence the hydroponic tomato market's trajectory. Rockwool is the most commonly used medium for hydroponic tomato cultivation. The ICL group offers "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 projected to expand in the coming years.
North America has Significant Opportunities' for Market Growth
The United States is experiencing a surge in demand for greenhouse tomatoes, particularly in urban areas like New York, driving the expansion of hydroponic operations. High-end food establishments are at the forefront of this trend, with consumers demonstrating a willingness to pay premium prices for hydroponically grown vegetables. This increasing demand is prompting producers to adopt hydroponic methods. North America represents approximately 35% of the vertical farming market, with over 2,300 farms in the United States cultivating hydroponic crops, according to Agri Farming.
In Canada, glasshouses predominantly utilize hydroponics for vegetable cultivation. Greenhouses are emerging nationwide in response to evolving consumer preferences and concerns about food pricing and availability. Canadian hydroponic systems employ rock wool, perlite, and Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) methods to grow tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers. Commercial vegetable producers in Canada favor hydroponics due to its efficiency in managing larger production areas and controlling inputs, diseases, and pests. In 2023, Ottawa-based Growcer Inc. operated more than 70 hydroponic farms across Canada, producing 10 million servings of vegetables.
Mexico's hydroponic systems primarily utilize drip irrigation and the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT). The main hydroponic crops, selected for their profitability, include lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, and strawberries. While Rockwool is not widely used across North America, it is crucial for tomato cultivation in Mexico's drip irrigation systems. The country faces significant challenges, including arid conditions and limited groundwater availability affecting two-thirds of its geography and straining water resources. These challenges present a substantial opportunity for the vertical farming industry in Mexico. The highest concentration of hydroponic installations per acre is located in Mexico's Distrito Federal province.
