Fresh berries producer Driscoll’s has signed an agreement with Plenty Unlimited to grow its proprietary strawberries year-round in vertical indoor farms.

As part of the agreement, the companies will work together for the development of strawberry varieties and supply them to the market.

Additionally, the two companies will focus on delivering the fruits to markets and regions that were previously difficult to serve.

Driscoll’s chairman and CEO J Miles Reiter said: “It’s clear that Plenty’s vision and capabilities of pioneering the potential of indoor farming technology makes them the leader in this space.

“As one of the few berry companies with a dedicated global R&D program, we believe our proprietary berries, which are focused on flavour, combined with Plenty’s technology leadership will create a competitive market edge as we expand to more effectively meet the future consumer.”

Under the new partnership, Driscoll’s will provide its proprietary genetics and berry expertise to Plenty, who will incorporate them into its indoor farming technology.

By including Driscoll’s proprietary genetics and berry expertise, Plenty aims to deliver Driscoll’s strawberries varieties with optimised texture and size.

Initially, Driscoll’s strawberries will be grown and developed at Plenty’s Laramie, Wyoming, US, farm, which is claimed to be the largest privately owned vertical farm research and development centre in the world.

Plenty co-founder and chief science officer Nate Storey said: “For over 100 years, Driscoll’s has been innovating in search of the best-tasting berries.

“As they embrace the emergence of indoor farming, we are proud they have chosen Plenty as their collaborator to develop flavorful berries grown indoors in a clean, controlled environment.

“We are aligned in our mission to bring the most delicious food to our consumers while reducing our environmental impact. Our goal is to bring fresh, flavour-forward berries grown locally to consumers around the world.”