Ukrainian Greenhouse Substrate Producer Begrow Expands Global Reach with Innovative Products and Services Kyrylo, Sales Manager for Begrow, announced that the company is emerging as a third major player in the global greenhouse substrate market. With over 20 years of experience and state-of-the-art facilities, Begrow is challenging the dominance of the two established companies in this sector.
From Ukraine to the World: A Growing Global Footprint
Begrow was founded in Ukraine with a focus on producing high-quality horticultural substrates. The company has since expanded its export markets to over 30 countries across North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Australia. The war in Ukraine prompted Begrow to open a facility in Turkey in 2022, which has now become its main production site. This move has stabilized its operations and enabled the company to scale up. Looking ahead, Begrow plans to build a third production facility within the next 12 to 18 months to be closer to its major clients, although specific details are yet to be disclosed.
Tailored Products for Every Crop Type
Begrow specializes in manufacturing stone wool cubes, slabs, and plugs for hydroponic systems. Its product range supports a wide variety of crops, including vegetables, flowers, and cannabis. The company’s stone wool products are engineered to promote robust vegetative and generative growth in crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers.
Begrow also offers tailored solutions for long-cycle flowering crops like roses and gerberas, with slabs designed to last up to five years for roses and three years for gerberas. Additionally, Begrow has recently launched an S-structure cube specifically designed for indoor cannabis growers to address issues with nutrient distribution and moisture retention.
Company Flexibility: More Than Just the Products
As a family-run business, Begrow enjoys a level of agility that larger corporations often lack. The company is able to produce special sizes of substrates that are not commonly available in the market. This flexibility extends to production volumes, shipping logistics, and product development timelines, allowing Begrow to meet the unique needs of its customers.
Stability, Quality, and Trust
Consistency is a key reason why growers choose stone wool substrates, and Begrow excels in this area. According to Kyrylo, stone wool is the most stable hydroponic substrate in the world, with no fluctuations in electrical conductivity (EC) or pH levels. The company ensures that its products maintain the same high quality over time. Begrow also supports the use of its substrates in combination with other materials, as long as the crops are suitable and strong.
Challenges: Recycling and Logistics
Despite the stable quality of stone wool, recycling remains a significant challenge for the industry. The complexity arises from the fertilizers and additives that growers introduce into the substrate, rather than the inert and non-toxic nature of the stone wool itself. Logistics is another area where improvements are needed, particularly for international shipments. However, Begrow is actively working to enhance its distribution network with the upcoming third facility.
In conclusion, Begrow is positioning itself as a reliable and innovative provider of greenhouse substrates. Its commitment to quality, flexibility, and customer service sets it apart in the market. As the company continues to expand its global footprint and address industry challenges, it is well on its way to becoming a major force in the greenhouse substrate sector.
