Hydroponics is defined as the soilless cultivation of crops in controlled environments. The global hydroponics industry is currently valued at $12.1 billion as of 2022 with projections to reach $25.7 billion by 2027.
Today, CEA growers use a variety of hydroponic methods to grow crops – including aeroponics, aquaponics, and nutrient film technique (NFT). While this basic definition of hydroponics applies to the fields where we work, the term also encompasses a wider variety of businesses.
Hydroponic product manufacturers produce the equipment used to grow crops in controlled environments. These products are sold through multiple avenues, including both distributor networks to retail hydroponic shops. CEA equipment manufacturers also sell their products direct-to-growers.
One of the most interesting things about the hydroponics space is that this technology is manufactured for growers of both food crops and cannabis. Especially when it comes to cultivation equipment for hobbyist cultivators, a majority of the technology is created specifically for the cannabis space.