
According to a recent research report titled "Commercial Greenhouse Market is poised for substantial growth in the coming years, with projections indicating a reach of USD 68.7 billion by 2028, up from an estimated USD 39.6 billion in 2023. This growth is expected to be driven by several key factors that underscore the importance of commercial greenhouse solutions and services on a global scale.
Growth Driver: Need for Higher Yields in Limited Space and Water
As the world's population continues to expand, the availability of arable land becomes increasingly scarce, necessitating efficient land utilization. Commercial greenhouses tackle this challenge by maximizing space through vertical farming, hydroponics, and aeroponic systems, enabling multiple layers of cultivation within compact areas. This spatial efficiency results in significantly higher crop yields compared to traditional open-field methods. Additionally, as water scarcity becomes a pressing issue in many regions, commercial greenhouses offer precise control over irrigation, preventing water wastage by delivering water directly to plant roots. Advanced irrigation systems like drip and recirculation systems further optimize water use and reduce evaporation losses, making commercial greenhouses an ideal solution to address this concern.
Restraint: High Cost of Deploying Advanced Systems
Commercial greenhouses come with a substantial price tag due to the incorporation of expensive systems such as HVAC, control systems, LED grow lights, and sensors. LED grow lights, in particular, are cost-intensive due to their specialized design for greenhouse applications, incorporating various LED types with varying wattages and wavelengths. This initial investment cost can deter potential investors, especially smaller-scale farmers or those in emerging regions, limiting market accessibility and growth. Moreover, ongoing operational expenses related to energy-intensive climate control, lighting, and automation systems contribute to elevated utility bills, further acting as a restraint on market growth.
Opportunity: Rising Demand for Floriculture and Ornamental Horticulture
The increasing demand for floriculture and ornamental horticulture offers a significant growth opportunity for the commercial greenhouse market. As urbanization and disposable incomes rise globally, there is a growing interest in enhancing living and working spaces with aesthetically pleasing plants and flowers. Commercial greenhouses provide an ideal environment for cultivating a wide variety of flowers, plants, and ornamental foliage with precision and control. The ability to provide optimal growing conditions independent of external climate factors positions commercial greenhouses as a solution to satisfy year-round demand for these items, especially in off-seasons or areas with adverse weather conditions. Additionally, greenhouses protect sensitive plants from harsh weather, pests, and diseases, yielding high-quality and aesthetically appealing products.
Challenge: Equipment Failure Risk and Grower Learning Curve
The high risk of equipment failure poses a challenge to the adoption of greenhouse farming. For instance, a malfunction in a critical component like a water pump can lead to plant death within hours. Without soil as a water and nutrient reservoir, backup systems must be in place to prevent production losses, potentially increasing production costs and affecting profit margins. Additionally, the slow learning curve among growers accustomed to traditional farming methods can hinder market growth. Transitioning to modern techniques like hydroponics requires time and effort for users to understand the systems fully. Delays in becoming proficient with these systems can impact production, presenting a potential challenge to the growth of the commercial greenhouse market.
Key players in this market, including Berry Global Group, Inc., Signify Holding, Heliospectra AB, PLASTIKA KRITIS S.A., EVERLIGHT ELECTRONICS CO., LTD, Prospiant, RICHEL GROUP, Argus Control Systems Limited, Certhon, LOGIQS.B.V., Lumigrow, Inc, Agra Tech, Inc, Hort Americas, Top Greenhouses, and Stuppy Greenhouse, play a crucial role in driving innovation and ensuring product quality within the industry.