ORLANDO, FLA.—Eco Convergence Group, Inc. (ECG) unveiled the first HyCube modular hydroponic vegetable production system last Thursday at the Orlando World Center Marriott. The HyCube’s data-driven, precisely controlled, patent-pending hydroponic system is constructed in an illuminated modern structure right next to the hotel’s main kitchen. Orlando World Center Marriott is the first hotel to utilize the HyCube growing system, growing produce for its nine dining outlets and 450,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space.
The hotel’s Executive Chef Eric Martinez and his culinary team will have a constant bounty of fresh, healthy produce, such as lettuce, baby spinach, arugula, herbs, microgreens and edible flowers, as well as other leafy greens, all grown from organic, non-GMO seeds. The innovative production method—involving semiconductor industry-inspired techniques for precise control of the micro-environment, including air and water quality, temperature and humidity, light conditions and nutrients—allows for a steady yield of crisp, flavorful, and nutritious produce without seasonal and regional limitations. Additionally, when compared to traditional farming, the HyCube consumes up to 90 percent less water and will reduce crop cycle by 20 percent without the use of harmful chemicals like pesticides, insecticides, fungicides, etc. Plant extracts will be used to create fresh green drinks and probiotic drinks, and the water filtration system will provide purified water that will be bottled and offered in the Central Pantry, a “grab-and-go” outlet within the hotel.
“The HyCube is transforming the way produce is sourced for hotels and restaurants,” stated Cristian Toma, Ph.D., CEO for Eco Convergence Group. “With high consumer demand for clean foods and farm-to-table local sourcing, the HyCube takes it to the highest possible freshness and purity by growing greens hydroponically right on-site. Chefs can then pick their produce within steps from the kitchen where the food is being prepared and plated. We are thrilled to be partnered with Orlando World Center Marriott on launching the very first HyCube in the world.”
“We couldn’t be more excited about the addition of the hydroponic garden and continuing to work with Eco Convergence Group, whose local farms will supplement our on-site growing efforts,” said Ralph Scatena, General Manager at Orlando World Center Marriott. “Our chefs can rely on high-quality produce year-round to inspire new dishes and complement existing ones, while our guests will reap the benefits of our true ‘pick-to-plate’ practices through more vibrant colors, sharper flavors and crisper textures. Additionally, we have added function space with the Harvest Terrace, which will be an ideal location for events of up to 250 attendees and could expand to as many as 750 by utilizing the terrace in conjunction with our newest restaurant, Latitude & Longitude, with the hydroponic garden as the backdrop, creating a truly unique experience.”
The HyCube’s glowing presence transforms a guest’s experience by enabling them to be more connected to the food they are eating and observe how their food is being grown, from seedling to fully-grown plants.
Eco Convergence has projects in the pipeline for additional HyCubes to be constructed for the hospitality and food services industries in the United States and abroad.
Here are some additional details about the HyCube:
- Can grow multiple culture layers to mix and match crops according to demand.
HyCube does not discharge waste. - Ability to mix and match crops to demand on short notice.
- The HyCube can be designed and built on a rooftop of a high-rise, in the middle of a mall, in a hotel atrium or resort patio, or in other areas.
- The HyCube at the Marriott houses more than 500 LED grow light modules. The lights are “raspberry” in color, providing an optimal light spectrum for accelerated growth. There are 21 vertical growing towers with four levels of plants on each tower, with each level holding 180 plants.
- Harvest trays are easy-to-clean hard plastic; they can be reused after each harvest.
- ECG’s local partner, Brook Hollow Hydro Farm, is growing tomatoes, berries, and other fruit for the Orlando World Center Marriott.
- ECG will have horticulturists on site to care for and harvest the HyCube produce.
