S3E35: Hiroki Koga - Vertical Farming at Commercial Scale

Episode Summary

Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show, co-founder and CEO at Oishii, Hiroki Koga. Oishii grows the best fruit in the world by deploying ground-breaking vertical farming technology that pushes the boundaries of agriculture. Today, Harry and Hiroki talk about the origin story of Oishii and how they became the first in the world to grow fruit in an indoor vertical farm at commercial scale. Hiroki reflects on lessons he’s learned throughout his entrepreneurial journey, speaks to those who have influenced and inspired him and expounds on the importance he places on living up to the quality and standards of the Oishii brand. Finally, Hiroki shares his excitement for future expansion of his business and what excites him the most about the future of Oishii.

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Key Takeaways

02:45 – Harry welcomes to the show Hiroki Koga, who talks about his experience living in Europe as a child, the decision to go into consulting and finding his passion
07:52 – Hiroki recalls the culture shock he encountered the first time he came to the U.S.
09:36 – Hiroki’s vertical farming origin story
15:41 – Hiroki speaks to what inspired him to launch Oishii
23:24 – Hiroki expounds on why he embraces tough challenges
25:12 – Harry and Hiroki talk about some of the more popular brands of fruit in Japan
28:00 – When Hiroki realized there was an opportunity in the vertical farming industry
32:36 – Hiroki recalls some of the early days of Oishii and what his marketing strategy was
38:19 – Hiroki describes the Omakase Berry to the audience and shares his plans for growth
43:03 – Hiroki reflects on lessons and takeaways from his journey thus far
45:41 – Who Hiroki looks to for inspiration and a tough question Hiroki has had to ask himself recently
50:52 – Harry thanks Hiroki for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can learn more about Oishii and connect with Hiroki