Ritz-Carlton Naples Expands Vegetables Grown in CropBox

The Ritz-Carlton, Naples has introduced new produce to its CropBox, a sustainable, self-contained, on-site growing system.

The ‘grown on-site menu’ now includes tomatoes, edible flowers and baby zucchini along with an increased production of assorted micro-greens.

The Ritz-Carlton, Naples has grown more than 7,000 heads of lettuce over the past year, vastly reducing waste and harvesting only what is needed for the property and its guests.

Using the latest technology in precision farming, with a hydroponic vertical growing system, the CropBox allows the culinary team at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples to provide fresh and pristine produce each season, with the capacity to grow over an acre of crops within the 320 sq. ft. container.

The CropBox differs from gardens and greenhouses because it is a 100% fully controlled environment where non-native crops, such as lettuce, can fully thrive in an area they typically would not.

After a successful inaugural year, with crops including Bibb and romaine lettuce, cilantro, arugula, spinach, cabbage and assorted micro-greens, the culinary team at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples is expanding the selection of produce grown.

“Over the past year, we have seen immense benefits of utilizing the CropBox on property,” said George Fistrovich, executive chef for The Ritz-Carlton Resorts of Naples. “I look forward to expanding the crops grown on-site each year and incorporating the new flavors in the dishes offered on property.” 

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