THE CIRCLE

(Agen Food) – Rome, 29 April – The growth of The Circle, the first aquaponic farm of Roman origin and the largest in Europe, is unstoppable. Following the expansion of its facility, which now reaches a total production area of 12,500 m², the new challenge is to bring more than 150,000 plants into production, for a total of around 21,000 kg of salad harvested per year.

"The new Rome facility is fully operational, and with it we are taking a huge step forward in our mission to bring sustainable innovation to the agri-food sector. Thanks to this new structure, we will be able to grow significantly more plants in an even more sustainable way, increasing our production capacity while reducing our environmental impact. This facility is a cornerstone of our future, strengthening our commitment to producing efficiently and with respect for the environment," explains Thomas Marino, CEO of The Circle.

The production site, designed to combine technological innovation and environmental sustainability, will save 180 litres of water per kg of produce each year (around 3,200,000 litres in total) and cut carbon dioxide emissions by 33,000 kg, as well as eliminating the use of fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides.

To keep pace with its growing expansion and the launch of a new processed products line, The Circle's team, which now numbers 30 people, is looking for new talent. Open positions currently include: sales manager, technical operator, project manager and aquaponic farming intern. Job opportunities can be found at www.thecircle.global/lavora-con-noi or on the company's LinkedIn page.

"The expansion of our team is further proof of our growth and our ability to adapt to new challenges. By the end of the year we expect to open more positions to support the company's development and continuous innovation, confirming our commitment to creating jobs and bringing ever more expertise into our sector," says Marino.

Awards and trade fairs

For the fifth year in a row, The Circle has been included in the FoodTech500 ranking, placing 200th worldwide and 3rd in Italy. The award recognises the most promising and innovative Agri Food Tech companies internationally. Compared with last year, the Roman aquaponic farm climbed 116 places, consolidating its reputation among the sector's leading players.

In March, The Circle also took part in Horeca Expoforum in Turin, the largest event for Ho.Re.Ca. professionals, where it presented itself to a highly qualified audience, strengthening existing partnerships and forging new ones.

From 5 to 8 May, it will be at Tuttofood to officially unveil its new line of processed products – pestos, oils and aromatic salts – and to show the Ho.Re.Ca. and retail world the benefits of aquaponic farming. The aim is to strengthen its sales network and build new strategic partnerships in Italy and abroad. The Circle's stand will be a meeting point for buyers, distributors and professionals interested in sustainable, high-quality solutions in the agri-food landscape.

Challenges ahead

The Circle has inspired the creation of several aquaponic farms across Italy, but the sector still faces a number of challenges in the years ahead. These include raising consumer awareness of the benefits of aquaponics, integrating technology with Italian culinary tradition, and making innovative, sustainable products accessible at scale, including in large-scale retail. It will also be essential to keep investing in research and development to improve the productivity and energy efficiency of the facilities.

The innovative farm combining vertical farming and aquaponics certifies its pesto with VEGANOK

The Circle is a farm that decided to do things differently, producing top-quality salads and condiments with a method that respects nature and keeps environmental impact to a minimum. Its Oriental Vegan Pesto is now VEGANOK certified, a choice that confirms the consistency of a project built on innovation and sustainability.

Aquaponic and vertical farming

The idea behind The Circle is to grow without waste. To achieve this, the company combines vertical farming and aquaponics, creating a closed system in which more than 150,000 plants grow thanks to the nutrients produced by fish, in a continuous cycle that purifies and reuses water.

This model saves up to 180 litres of water per kilo of salad, avoids any use of pesticides or herbicides and drastically reduces CO₂ emissions (roughly 33,000 kg less every year).

The result is a farming system that is more efficient, cleaner and safer for both the people who work in it and the people who eat its produce.

From cultivation to processing

The Circle doesn't stop at growing. Its kitchens turn raw ingredients into pestos, rubs and natural condiments designed to enhance everyday dishes and chefs' creations alike.

One example is the Oriental Vegan Pesto, made with mustard greens, rocket, red and green mizuna, Japanese spinach, miso and cashews: a bold-flavoured, entirely plant-based condiment, now VEGANOK certified.

A forward-looking model

The Circle's goal is to show that quality food can be produced without polluting and without wasting resources. Its aquaponic facility not only eliminates waste, but creates a natural balance in which every element plays its part.

It is a system that goes beyond the traditional concept of "organic" and becomes a concrete example of circular, regenerative agriculture.

Discover The Circle's plant-based pesto

The Circle invites you to discover its VEGANOK-certified vegan pesto from aquaponic farming. The Circle shows that innovation and respect for the land can go hand in hand, and that behind a good pesto or a quality salad there can be a vision of a more sustainable future.

The Circle, an Italian aquaponic farm, presents its first line of processed products, the result of an innovative model of sustainable agriculture. Its pestos, oils and aromatic salts are made from soilless-grown aromatic herbs and baby leaves, and developed in collaboration with professional chefs, including Alain Rosica of the restaurant Belvedere dal 1933.

The new line combines sustainability, quality and creativity, offering condiments that enhance authentic flavours with natural, intense aromas. Its entry into large-scale retail and international export markets marks a new chapter for The Circle, which is now bringing Italian aquaponic culture abroad. The products are already available in Conad supermarkets of Gruppo CR and, for the first time, on sale in France as well.

"This line is the synthesis of our circular and sustainable approach," explains Thomas Marino, co-founder and Chief Business Development & Marketing Officer. "It's not just a range of condiments, but a new way of championing research, quality and respect for the environment."

The Circle's pestos, such as the Basil Pesto made with red and Greek basil or the Oriental Pesto with mustard greens, mizuna and cashews, stand out for their balance and creaminess, ideal for creative and gourmet dishes. The aromatic oils, made with extra virgin olive oil, capture the essence of fresh herbs, while the aromatic rubs (such as the Basil Rub and the Italian Rub) offer unique blends for meat, vegetables and Mediterranean dishes.