Grobrix

This interview details Grobrix, an indoor farming company based in Singapore. The interview is with Mathew Howe, Founder of Grobrix.

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What is the origin story of Grobrix? 

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It all started with pesto. There was a time when all my girls would only eat green pasta for lunch, and green pasta requires pesto, which in turn requires basil. We were getting our basil from the supermarket, but it wasn't particularly fresh or fragrant. I was just thrilled that my girls were eating something green! 

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The problem really arose due to supply issues. Quite often, the local supermarkets ran out of stock, and I found myself bouncing from store to store in search of a clamshell packet of herbs. I  knew there had to be a better way, so I started growing it.

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What is unique about Grobrix compared to competitors?  

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At Grobrix, we believe urban farming should be enjoyed by all as a lifestyle endeavor to nourish the body, the mind, and the soul. That’s why our mission remains an unwavering commitment to encourage, enthuse, empower, and educate urban communities to live more sustainable, self-sufficient, healthier, and happier lives. This way, together, we can all Seed Change. 

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Our unique selling points begin with the aesthetic of the system. We blend beauty with functionality to allow farming to happen in more everyday places! We designed our very own patented modular edible green wall. It was designed, developed, and made in Singapore.  

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We also provide our unique Lifestyle Farming-as-a-Service support to maintain the farms and engage the community. We want to get people excited about their food and showcase how we can all do our part to lead more sustainable, self-sufficient lives. 

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What are some of the biggest challenges facing Grobrix in the future?  

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Our concept is gaining traction, and the momentum has been promising. We currently work with tech companies, energy companies, media companies, universities, hotels, restaurants,  theme parks, schools, retail outlets, hospitals, health clubs, active aging facilities, and of course, homes. Recent additions to the Grobrix movement include KPMG, The W Hotel, Standard Chartered, LinkedIn, MediaMonks, Sodexo, M Moser, Shell, Prudential, Sands Hotel Group and Google. 

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It is equally encouraging that Grobrix is resonating with people worldwide. An example of this is our recent feature in @theagritect, underscoring the support our movement is garnering. 

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Our biggest challenge going forward, which we have chosen to accept, is going to be taking our movement to multiple countries all over the world to touch the lives of millions of people. 

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What are some of the trends you are noticing recently when working with your partners in the industry?  

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We observe clear trends surrounding overall well-being, encompassing both personal health and the health of the planet. For instance, there is a growing desire among individuals to live more sustainably, driven by concerns about issues such as food waste and the pervasive use of single-use plastics in daily life. Our service precisely addresses these concerns by enabling people to grow their own food: no food miles, no food waste, no single-use plastic wrappers.

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Additionally, we notice an increasing emphasis on better physical health and mental well-being.  This is why we have taken a unique approach – instead of merely offering green walls, we provide modular, edible green walls. This way, individuals can enjoy food that is not only fresher and better tasting but also supports their overall health and well-being. 

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Recognizing these evolving priorities, companies and establishments are also stepping up. There is a growing number of companies interested in integrating sustainability not only in their supply chains but also within their workplaces. Companies are prioritizing workplace wellness to enhance employee engagement, exploring ways to support physical and mental health. By partnering with companies and establishments, we extend our tangible service to their respective communities, enabling more individuals to embrace self-sufficiency and wellness. 

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How can people connect with you or learn more about Grobrix? 

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Grobrix is dedicated to enabling more people to adopt a greener, healthier lifestyle. We're eager to welcome everyone interested in following our journey and joining our cause. Gain an inside look into the initiatives we’re working on with our partners by following us on LinkedIn or Instagram or by visiting us at grobrix.com.

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