#Canada #LED Lighting #Sollum Technologies #Gourma #Saint-Norbert

Gourma and Sollum Technologies Join Forces

Gourma, a premier grower of fine herbs based in Saint-Norbert, Québec, has taken a significant step forward by partnering with Sollum Technologies to enhance its production techniques. This collaboration is centered around the implementation of Sollum’s fully dynamic LED lighting system, which promises to revolutionize the way Gourma grows its aromatic herbs.

Gourma boasts a diverse range of 25 potted herb varieties, including nine that are certified organic. The herbs are well-distributed across grocery retailers in Québec, showcasing the exceptional quality that stems from Gourma's greenhouses. The transition to Sollum’s cutting-edge lighting technology is poised to propel Gourma into a new era of greenhouse management.

Transition to Innovate

In early 2023, Gourma underwent a substantial brand repositioning, which included doubling its production area and embracing a forward-thinking approach aimed at innovation. The integration of Sollum's technology marks a pivotal change in their operations, allowing Gourma to establish a highly controlled and adaptable lighting environment tailored to the specific needs of each herb variety.

“Sollum’s dynamic LED fixtures enable us to adjust lighting conditions instantly,” stated Charles Verdy, President of Gourma. “This flexibility aligns seamlessly with our commitment to innovation and food autonomy.” The former lighting system has been replaced by Sollum’s fixtures, which are managed using the SUN as a Service® platform. This cloud-based solution is fully integrated with the greenhouse's control systems, ensuring optimal management across multiple production zones according to varying herb requirements.

The Technology Behind the Growth

Sollum Technologies brings to the table a unique offering—its dynamic LED lighting is the only one of its kind designed to replicate the full spectrum of sunlight, which is ideal for enclosed environments like greenhouses. The technology is grounded in IoT and AI, offering a sophisticated yet user-friendly interface that allows growers to control the light emissions precisely based on real-time plant needs.

Each crop zone can benefit from customized lighting recipes, enabling automatic dimming to adjust to the plants’ requirements. This means Gourma not only ensures better-growing conditions but also enhances the quality of the herbs produced, leading to improved flavor, color, and morphology.

Commitment to Sustainability

As the agricultural industry increasingly leans toward sustainable practices, this partnership reflects a shared vision of Gourma and Sollum Technologies. “We are excited to collaborate with Gourma, a company that embodies our commitment to innovative and sustainable agricultural practices,” remarked Kassim Tremblay, Vice President of Strategic Accounts at Sollum. “The benefits of our solution are increasingly recognized, and we look forward to observing the impactful results in the field.”

Conclusion

By adopting Sollum’s advanced lighting solution, Gourma is set on a path toward enhanced productivity and superior produce quality. This partnership underlines the importance of innovation in the agricultural sector and sets a precedent for how technology can be used to optimize growing conditions. For Gourma, the future looks bright, as they continue to expand their footprint in the herb-growing market while contributing to Québec's food autonomy.

Founded in 2015, Sollum Technologies is headquartered in Montréal, Canada, and has established itself as a leader in smart agricultural technologies. Gourma similarly has deep roots in the Lanaudière region, with over 60 dedicated employees focused on delivering fresh, high-quality greens to consumers throughout Québec and Ontario.

This collaboration not only signifies a technological advancement for Gourma but also a step towards a more sustainable and innovative future in herb cultivation.