"Knowing how to grow is more important than relying on technology alone," says Valentinas Civinskas, founder and CEO of Leafood. In Vilnius, Lithuania, Valentinas with his team are turning vertical farm into a scalable, cross-border success story. Leafood's provides fresh herbs, microgreens and leafy greens to both local markets and beyond.
From Lithuania to Germany: A fresh perspective on cross-Border operations
Leafood has been founded early 2023. The journey was anything but smooth. Valentinas recalls, "It was an experience filled with constant learning and adaptation. We did a lot of sampling in stores. We stood next to our products in the retail space, talking directly to customers about their opinions. That feedback was essential. It drove us to continuously adjust our packaging and portfolio, leading to version 7, which we found to be the final one." These early experiences and conversations with customers in-store led to a pivotal breakthrough in the Baltic countries.
Leafood farm in Vilnius, Lithuania
It was during Fruit Logistica, one of the world's leading trade shows for fresh produce, that Valentinas identified a new opportunity. He met a German herbs and microgreens producer from Bornheim "Dreesen Frische Kräuter" looking to cover supply gaps, particularly when their own greenhouse and outdoor operations couldn't meet demand. Recognizing a chance to lower production costs while expanding market reach, Leafood entered a partnership with Dreesen Frische Kräuter to provide fresh, EU-compliant herbs and microgreens all year-round to German market.
By the end of this summer, Leafood had begun supplying fresh products conforming to European standards to Germany. "What makes this partnership unique is the speed and freshness of our products'deliveries. Compared to the typical four-to-five-day delay associated with imports from the Global South, Leafood's products arrive within two days, boasting a shelf life of at least 10 days. This is something that traditional imports can't offer. In addition, our leafy greens are pesticide-free, contributing to consumer's well-being" says Valentinas.
Sustainability meets innovation
"Leafood's operations have a strong commitment to sustainability. This philosophy extends beyond just energy use. The company uses 100% renewable energy to power its farm, and they even play classical music to their crop, based on studies suggesting that harmonious sound waves help plants grow healthier."
A roadmap for growth
The cross-border model has inspired Valentinas with his team to think bigger. In 2025-26, they plan further expansion, with the goal of replicating the company's model across borders. Armed with lessons learned, such as the importance of tailored packaging lines and understanding local markets, Valentinas aims to build more localized partnerships to deliver fresh, nutrient-packed produce across Europe.
Valentinas emphasizes that while technology is essential, deep knowledge of agricultural practices remains the foundation of Leafood's success. "The future lies in diversifying offerings while keeping a firm grasp on agricultural fundamentals. "Technology is important, but the real success comes from knowing how to grow. That's the foundation of our business" he says.
The future of vertical farming: Collaboration is key
Leafood is a good example of the enormous potential of cross-border cooperation in vertical farming. By leveraging partnerships to fill supply chain gaps, companies can lower costs, increase efficiency, and deliver fresher products. "Collaboration is key. It's not just about building our own company, but about connecting with others who share the same ideas," asserts Valentinas. "I envision a network of vertical farms working in close partnership to supplement traditional agriculture, ultimately creating a more resilient and sustainable food system."
For more information:
Leafood
Valentinas Civinskas
[email protected]
www.leafood