China is setting an example for the entire world. During the visit of a Macfrut delegation to the new Easyhome Ankang supermarket in Beijing, the attention of the visitors was caught by the hydroponic lettuce cultivation system.
Watch a video of the Chinese supermarket.
Units over 20 metres long on three levels where salad follows its cycle and is sold at the price on the tags. "We talk about the future - they are making it," commented Macfrut President Renzo Piraccini.
The area dedicated to hydroponic cultivation is located at the back of the supermarket, next to the fruit and vegetable section. People were very curious. The price for a salad head was around €1.34.
The average salary in Beijing is €500-700 and this supermarket is aimed at medium-high-end customers. In-store cultivation is an added bonus - the objective is not to meet the needs of a population of 20 million people, but to attract customers and showcase capabilities.
But it is not the only example. At the Hilton Hotel where the delegation was staying, the buffet room had a similar indoor lettuce cultivation system. In other words, similar to one of those wine cabinets where light, temperature and humidity are monitored to make the lettuce grow.
When lettuce reaches the end of its cycle, guests can ask for it and the kitchen "harvests" it and cooks it on the spot.
In the hotel, of course, the choice to display a lettuce cultivation system is a way to attract attention and amaze guests.