EnWave Corp (TSX-V:ENW, OTC:NWVCF, FRA:E4U) earlier this week announced a new commercial agreement with Rhizome, a food and farming venture founded by Michelin-star chef Dan Barber, signalling further expansion of its partner-driven growth model.
CEO Brent Charleton said the relationship builds on more than a year of collaboration, during which Rhizome used EnWave’s REV dehydration technology to develop products derived from nutrient-dense crops. He noted that Rhizome is now moving toward commercialization following the acquisition of REV equipment.
Charleton highlighted that Barber’s involvement brings both visibility and industry credibility, particularly given his influence in regenerative agriculture. He suggested that, with continued investment, Rhizome could evolve into a large-scale operation, a meaningful growth avenue for EnWave.
The development underscores what Charleton described as a “transformational” shift in EnWave’s business model over the past two to three years. The company has increasingly focused on building a network of licensed partners capable of manufacturing and commercializing products, rather than relying solely on customers operating equipment independently.
He explained that this approach allows EnWave to collaborate with major global brands that may be unwilling to commit capital to equipment purchases, instead leveraging partners such as MicroDried, BranchOut Foods and facilities in Mexico. Rhizome now adds a New York-based platform to that network, potentially broadening market reach.
Looking ahead, Charleton struck a candid tone on near-term performance. He acknowledged that the first half of 2026 had been “a bit of a disappointment” due to the absence of large-scale transactions, despite a robust pipeline. He reiterated that the company’s revenue profile can be uneven, with significant variability between quarters.
However, Charleton maintained that the outlook remains positive, pointing to internal confidence and the potential for multiple deals to materialise in a short period. He indicated that securing larger transactions in the near term would be a key catalyst for the business.