In this episode, I speak with Juan Gabriel Succar, the Co-founder of Verde Compacto, as he returns to share the latest developments in the world of vertical farming. Since our last conversation in 2022, Juan and his team have been busy refining their approach, focusing on standardizing their product offerings and expanding their reach. We dive into the lessons learned over the past two years, including the importance of selecting the right opportunities and aligning them with their core business strategy. Juan's insights into the evolving market in Mexico and beyond are invaluable, especially as he discusses the growing interest in vertical farming and the strategic shifts his company has made to stay ahead.
Juan also opens up about the exciting new projects Verde Compacto is working on, such as their micro-farming catalog aimed at bringing vertical farming into homes. He shares how the company is leveraging partnerships, like their collaboration with Siemens, to enhance their technology and data capabilities. We also explore the broader industry trends, including the increasing visibility of vertical farming in Mexico and the role of conferences in fostering industry growth.
Juan's passion for innovation and his commitment to making a positive impact through sustainable farming practices shine through, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of agriculture.
Indoor AgCon - https://indoor.ag
04:22 Lessons Learned from International Expansion
07:41 Evolution of Leadership Roles at Verde Compacto
12:55 Vertical Farming's Rise in Mexico
14:13 Building a Vertical Farming Ecosystem
15:34 Shift in Vertical Farming Investments
17:28 Launch of Micro Farming Catalog
22:19 The Impact of Severe Drought on Water Awareness
24:27 Political Environment and NAFTA's Role in North American Trade
28:04 Educating Consumers on Home Hydroponics
29:53 Vertical Farming's Brand Strategy in Mexico
31:20 Growth of Vertical Farming Industry in Mexico
34:20 Zen Communities in Mexico
"Experience is the best teacher there is. We've made a lot of mistakes on this road, but these mistakes have helped us improve our quality controls, selling terms, sales strategy, and partnerships."
"Our client's success is our own success. Most of the success of the client is in the daily operations and management of the farms."
"As long as we work together and are willing to cooperate, make partnerships, and talk about success stories, more than seeing us as competitors, we can create confidence behind the industry."
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-gabriel-succar-abascal-53331b191/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VerdeCompacto
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/verdecompacto/
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Mentioned in this episode:
AgTech Companies
https://agtechcompanies.com
CEA Summit East 2024
2025 US Indoor Farm Report
http://verticalfarmingpodcast.com/report