From open field to greenhouse

Written by Michiel Bontenbal, Managing Director

Imagine: a vast meadow in Dobrovnik, Slovenia. No greenhouse, no facilities, no product. Just potential. Yet Matej Bandelj and Gregor Počivavšek of Green Gardens Dobrovnik saw here exactly what Europe needs: a state-of-the-art greenhouse for baby leaf lettuce. Built without fossil fuels, without pesticides and ready for the consumer of tomorrow.

Baby leaf: the lettuce of today
When we think of lettuce, we often picture a traditional head of lettuce or a bag of mixed leaves from the supermarket. The baby leaf from Green Gardens goes one step further. You open the packaging and place it straight onto your plate. No washing, no cutting. Ready to eat. In North America, that has been the standard for years, but Europe is lagging behind. Demand is growing rapidly, however, and that is precisely the opportunity that Chainn wants to seize together with Green Gardens.

A greenhouse that thinks differently
What makes Green Gardens Dobrovnik truly special is not just the product itself, but the way the entire operation has been set up. Energy comes from geothermal heat, solar panels and heat pumps - no fossil fuels, no pesticides. On top of that, a CCU unit captures CO₂ and uses it directly in the cultivation process. And thanks to a fully automated process, the product never comes into contact with human hands, from seed to shelf. The result: a longer shelf life, consistent quality and a product that is genuinely ready to eat.

Chainn's role
Chainn is responsible for the full commercial sale of the production. As with all its partnerships, Chainn acts as the link between the grower and the market, from retail to foodservice. The needs and requirements of buyers are translated into a functional collaboration with Green Gardens, ensuring that the right product is in the right place at the right time.

Production is expected to start in the summer of 2027. The greenhouse will be built in phases, with the potential to grow into four greenhouses capable of producing between 40 and 60 tonnes of baby leaf per day combined.

Boots in the mud
What makes this project strong goes far beyond technology or sustainability alone. Gregor and Matej understand what growing is really about: being present every day, adapting when things don't go to plan and never losing sight of the long term. The crop comes first, not the spreadsheet. That is also exactly how Chainn operates, transparent, straightforward and always looking for a solution that works for everyone. Because a good partnership is not built in a day. It grows, with the right attention and two parties that are fully committed.

Would you like to know more about this project ? Feel free to get in touch with us.