FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Loveland, CO, USA | February 19, 2026 – Instafarm is proud to announce that the Instafarm Commercial Unit has been named a recipient of the 2026 Kitchen Innovations (KI) Award and will be featured at the National Restaurant Association Show, taking place May 16–19, 2026, at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL.
For more than two decades, the Kitchen Innovations Awards have honored equipment and technology that push the foodservice industry forward by improving efficiency, sustainability, safety, and kitchen performance. Each year’s recipients represent the next wave of innovation designed to help operators adapt to a rapidly evolving foodservice landscape.
The Instafarm Commercial Unit was recognized for its ability to deliver fresh, nutrient-dense microgreens and herbs grown directly inside commercial kitchens. Designed for restaurants, hotels, corporate dining, healthcare, and education foodservice operations, the system allows chefs and operators to grow living greens on demand—eliminating produce spoilage, reducing supply chain dependence, and ensuring consistent quality year-round.
“Winning a Kitchen Innovations Award validates what we hear every day from chefs and operators—that access to truly fresh food should be simple, reliable, and built into the kitchen itself,” said Mark Carnehl, Marketing at Instafarm. “The Instafarm Commercial Unit gives foodservice teams a new level of control over freshness, nutrition, and sustainability, while reducing waste and operational friction. We’re honored to be recognized alongside so many forward-thinking solutions.”
Since its inception, the Kitchen Innovations Awards have served as the industry benchmark for foodservice equipment excellence. Awardees are selected by a respected panel of independent judges who evaluate each submission based on its ability to enhance operations, improve safety, promote sustainability, and address critical industry challenges.
As a 2026 awardee, Instafarm will exhibit the Commercial Unit in the dedicated Kitchen Innovations Showroom, where attendees can experience firsthand how in-kitchen growing is shaping the next generation of commercial foodservice.
“The Kitchen Innovations Awards continue to spotlight solutions that are redefining what’s possible in foodservice,” said Tom Cindric, President of the National Restaurant Association Show. “The 2026 recipients exemplify innovation that directly supports operators as they navigate ongoing challenges around labor, efficiency, and sustainability.”
The National Restaurant Association Show is the premier global event for the restaurant and hospitality industry, bringing together leaders, operators, and innovators to explore emerging trends, products, and technologies.
About Instafarm
Instafarm designs and manufactures in-kitchen growing systems that make it easy to produce fresh, living microgreens year-round. After perfecting microgreen growing for home kitchens, Instafarm expanded into commercial foodservice with the Instafarm Commercial Unit—helping restaurants, hotels, and institutional kitchens elevate food quality, reduce waste, and gain greater control over their ingredients. Instafarm solutions combine simplicity, consistency, and sustainability to deliver real food, grown where it’s served.
Learn more at https://instafarm.store/pages/commercial.
About the National Restaurant Association Show
Awarded by Trade Show Executive as the 2024 Gold 100 Grand winner of the largest trade show managed by an independent organizer, the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show® is the Western Hemisphere’s most influential foodservice event showcasing industry innovations and trends. Each year since 1919, the Show has brought together restaurant operators and foodservice professionals for four days of exhibits, education, demonstrations, and networking. The Show is owned and operated by Informa in partnership with the National Restaurant Association.
Visit www.nationalrestaurantshow.com for more information.
About Informa
Informa is a leading international B2B markets, live and on-demand events, and digital services group. Informa connects businesses and professionals across 30+ industries with the knowledge they need to learn more, know more, and do more. Informa employs approximately 11,000 people in nearly 30 countries worldwide.
Visit www.informaconnect.com for more information.
