UniSpice is a company that is leading the charge in utilizing regenerative farming techniques to grow produce sustainably. Pulse 2.0 interviewed UniSpice CEO Allan Safieh to learn more about the company.
Allan Safieh’s Background
What is Allan Safieh’s background? Safieh said:
“I’ve been immersed in the produce business for over 34 years, during which I’ve spearheaded numerous unique and groundbreaking projects. My journey has seen the creation of new produce varieties, revolutionary packaging solutions, and now, the development of a unique, sustainable generative agriculture model. Each venture has been driven by a passion for innovation and a commitment to transforming the fresh produce industry.”
Formation Of UniSpice
How did the idea for UniSpice come together? Safieh shared:
“The genesis of our company was straightforward yet profound: we aimed to forge a direct connection between farms and consumers. We recognized that to create a fresh produce chain that is predictable, scalable, and sustainable, we needed to perfect the initial link in the chain—the farms. This realization drove us to develop a model that ensures reliability and sustainability right from the source, setting the foundation for a more efficient and transparent supply chain.”
Favorite Memory
What has been Safieh’s favorite memory working for the company so far? Safieh reflected:
“Watching the transformation of desert land into flourishing, productive land has been a significant milestone in UniSpice’s mission. Beating all odds to achieve this transformation has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and witnessing this change firsthand is truly priceless.”
Core Products
What are the company’s core products and features? Safieh explained:
“Our primary offerings are pre-packed vegetables, but what we truly provide is a comprehensive service that spans from farm to shelf. We don’t just sell products; we deliver a complete service package that ensures successful program operation and development. This includes a variety of produce like French beans, green beans, snow peas, and sugar snaps. Our holistic approach guarantees quality and consistency throughout the entire supply chain.”
Challenges Faced
What challenges have Safieh and the team faced in building the company? Safieh acknowledged:
“We have certainly faced numerous challenges throughout our journey. Our solution is unique and unlike anything currently available, which often disrupts the status quo. Not everyone welcomes change, but we’ve remained focused on building strong partnerships and alliances where we can create mutual value. By demonstrating the tangible benefits of our model to key stakeholders, we’ve been able to overcome resistance and show how our approach can generate value for both our customers and the end consumers.”
Evolution Of UniSpice’s Technology
How has the company’s technology evolved since launching? Safieh noted:
“Technology has been in a constant state of evolution since our inception. From the beginning, we had a clear vision of what we wanted to build, but many of the necessary technologies weren’t available yet. One of the most significant advancements recently has been regenerative AI. As new technologies emerge, we strive to integrate them into our model when appropriate. Our fully integrated supply chain and proprietary data provide us with unique advantages, allowing us to implement these technologies more effectively than others in the industry.”
Significant Milestones
What have been some of the company’s most significant milestones? Safieh cited:
“Throughout UniSpice’s journey, we’ve achieved numerous significant milestones. Recently, one of our most remarkable achievements has been the creation of the BORN Production System. This innovative approach takes our produce from farm to shelf, ensuring the highest level of consumer satisfaction while being responsible to our communities and the planet. By establishing a sustainable source, we are not only meeting today’s needs but also safeguarding resources for future generations.”
Customer Success Stories
After asking Safieh about customer success stories, he highlighted:
“We have numerous customer success stories, but one particularly stands out. A discount retailer, initially hesitant to try our product, decided to give it a chance. From the moment our product hit the shelf, it was an instant success. The category saw a growth of about 37.2%, and we managed to reduce shrinkage by 22.5%. This success is built on a system that is not only consistent and reliable but also sustainable over time, proving the value and effectiveness of our approach.”
Total Addressable Market
What total addressable market (TAM) size is the company pursuing? Safieh assessed:
“Fresh produce is one of the largest categories in both the retail and food service sectors, with a market value of $1 trillion. Beyond fresh produce, we are exploring expansion into other commodities such as coffee and tea. The opportunities in this space are vast, offering endless potential for growth and innovation.”
Differentiation From The Competition
What differentiates the company from its competition? Safieh affirmed:
“What sets us apart from our competitors is our innovative BORN Production System. At its core, this system utilizes advanced technologies and a streamlined production chain that makes the farming process predictable, scalable, and sustainable. By optimizing the initial link in the chain, we can seamlessly connect our customers directly to the farms, ensuring quality and consistency throughout the entire value chain.”
Future Company Goals
What are some of the company’s future goals? Safieh pointed out:
“Over the past eight years, our focus has been on perfecting our model. Looking ahead, our goal is straightforward: to expand this movement globally. We have gained significant traction since our launch, and our current mission is to broaden our impact and revolutionize the world of produce. By spreading our sustainable practices and innovative systems, we aim to create a more efficient, transparent, and sustainable fresh produce industry worldwide.”
Additional Thoughts
Any other topics you would like to discuss? Safieh concluded:
“For us, BORN is more than just a company initiative; it’s a movement. To ensure a sustainable value chain for the future, we must focus on nurturing the source—our farms. Everything starts here, and without a sustainable foundation, the future of fresh produce is uncertain. By creating a sustainable source, we not only enhance the value chain for all its members but also bring transparency and integrity to the entire process. This approach ultimately leads to a better consumer experience and contributes to a healthier world.”
