https://agrospectrumasia.com/rssfeed/agri-business/m%26a m&a https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4896/basf-agricultural-solutions-posts-q3-loss-as-weather-disrupts-sales-across-key-markets.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4896/basf-agricultural-solutions-posts-q3-loss-as-weather-disrupts-sales-across-key-markets.html Fri, 30 Oct 2026 15:52:36 +0530 BASF’s Agricultural Solutions division came under significant pressure in the third quarter of 2026, as adverse weather conditions, lower sales volumes and pricing weakness across several regions eroded revenue and profitability. The inclusion of AgBiTech, acquired in March, provided a positive portfolio contribution but was insufficient to offset the broader decline. The segment’s EBITDA before special items fell to a loss of €48 million in Q3 2026, compared with earnings of €80 million in the corresponding quarter of 2025. Segment cash flow also declined, dropping to €294 million from €465 million a year earlier. BASF attributed the weaker performance primarily to a substantial contraction in sales volumes, accompanied by a slight decline in prices. Lower sales in South America, Africa and the Middle East, alongside weather-related disruptions in Europe and Asia Pacific, were among the key factors affecting the quarter. Weather and regional pressures weigh on sales Europe recorded a substantial decline in sales, largely reflecting lower volumes caused by unfavourable weather conditions. Prices also edged down, adding to the pressure on the region’s performance. North America reported a relatively modest decline. Reduced volumes in herbicides, fungicides and seed treatment were partly compensated by stronger sales of field crop seeds. Currency movements, particularly involving the US dollar and Canadian dollar, provided some support. Asia Pacific experienced a considerable contraction, with herbicide volumes particularly affected by adverse weather associated with El Niño conditions. Lower prices and unfavourable foreign exchange movements, especially the depreciation of the Indian rupee, further weakened regional sales. In South America, Africa and the Middle East, sales fell significantly compared with the year-ago quarter. BASF linked much of the volume decline to sales being brought forward into the second quarter to support the migration to a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. Lower prices also contributed to the decline, although slightly favourable currency effects offered a partial offset. AgBiTech acquisition adds to portfolio contribution Despite the challenging operating environment, BASF recorded a positive portfolio effect following the integration of AgBiTech, the Brisbane-based biological crop protection company acquired on March 31, 2026. The acquisition expands BASF’s agricultural solutions portfolio, although its contribution during the quarter was not enough to counter the impact of weaker demand, weather-related disruptions and lower sales volumes across major markets. Lower earnings and inventory buildup affect cash flow The sharp decline in EBITDA before special items reflected lower sales and a modest deterioration in margins, particularly as prices weakened in some regions. Cost reductions helped cushion the impact, but lower fixed costs were insufficient to compensate for the fall in revenue and margins. Special items in EBITDA amounted to a negative €30 million, primarily associated with the legal separation of the division and the transition to the new ERP system. Segment cash flow declined substantially year on year, reflecting weaker operating earnings and higher inventory accumulation. The combination of lower EBITDA and increased working capital requirements placed additional pressure on cash generation during the quarter. BASF’s third-quarter performance highlights the vulnerability of agricultural input suppliers to weather volatility, regional planting conditions, currency movements and shifts in distributor purchasing patterns. While acquisitions such as AgBiTech can strengthen portfolio breadth, the latest results underline that portfolio expansion alone cannot insulate the business from cyclical and operational pressures across global agricultural markets. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4851/source-ag-acquires-optimal-to-scale-ai-driven-greenhouse-production.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4851/source-ag-acquires-optimal-to-scale-ai-driven-greenhouse-production.html Mon, 19 Oct 2026 09:45:00 +0530 Source.ag, the Amsterdam-based artificial intelligence company serving greenhouse growers, has acquired London-based startup Optimal, bringing autonomous greenhouse control technology into its existing crop intelligence platform. The acquisition combines Source.ag’s software for crop monitoring, harvest forecasting and irrigation automation with Optimal’s AI system for controlling the greenhouse environment. Financial terms were not disclosed. Optimal founder and CEO Dave Hunter will join Source.ag as vice-president of autonomous control, alongside the startup’s engineering team. The deal comes as greenhouse operators face mounting pressure from extreme weather, water scarcity, volatile energy prices and shortages of skilled growers. Controlled-environment agriculture can help maintain vegetable production when outdoor cultivation becomes less reliable, but expanding greenhouse capacity requires technology that can manage increasingly complex operations without depending entirely on scarce specialist expertise. Optimal’s software directly controls heating, ventilation, screens, lighting, carbon dioxide levels and irrigation through growers’ existing hardware. Its system combines physics-based modelling with machine learning to plan growing conditions several days ahead and adjust them in real time as weather conditions change. In a commercial-scale greenhouse in the Netherlands, Optimal reported a 13 per cent increase in yield and 27 per cent lower energy use compared with a benchmark Dutch grower. The company has also operated commercial systems in the Netherlands and Canada. From crop intelligence to autonomous control Source.ag’s existing platform monitors crops, forecasts harvests weeks in advance and automates irrigation. Optimal adds control over the wider greenhouse climate, bringing crop-level predictions and environmental management into a connected system. The combined platform is designed to observe crop conditions, anticipate production outcomes and adjust the growing environment accordingly. Rather than simply providing recommendations to growers, the technology aims to automate more of the decisions required to maintain stable conditions and optimise production. Source.ag says its software is already deployed across more than 500 greenhouses in 25 countries. The platform supports tomato, pepper and cucumber production valued at €2.5 billion annually and works with 13 of the world’s 25 largest high-tech greenhouse growers. The company has raised €50 million from investors including Astanor Ventures, Acre Venture Partners, Enza Zaden and Harvest House. Rien Kamman, co-founder and CEO of Source.ag, said the acquisition would help move the company towards a more comprehensive form of AI-driven greenhouse management. “Everyone is talking about physical AI. With this deal we are putting our money where our mouth is,” Kamman said. He added that Optimal’s technology had already demonstrated yield and energy improvements in commercial greenhouses. Integrating it into Source.ag’s established platform could accelerate deployment and help address the shortage of expert growers needed to operate additional facilities. Addressing the greenhouse labour and energy challenge Optimal was founded in 2016 by Hunter, a former head of quantitative trading at Deutsche Bank who also participated in Oxford’s Machine Learning group. The company was built around the premise that AI systems capable of managing complex physical environments could also control greenhouse operations. Its team includes people with backgrounds at Oxford, Imperial College, Airbus and Red Bull Racing. Investors include Founders Fund, Backed VC, 2050 and Acequia Capital, alongside angel investors Charlie Songhurst, Ed Grefenstette and Wendy Tan White. Hunter said the shortage of skilled growers was restricting greenhouse expansion and leaving food production exposed to climate and energy disruptions. By joining Source.ag, Optimal aims to accelerate the deployment of autonomous control systems across a larger international customer base. The combined platform is intended to help growers increase productivity while managing energy use and operational complexity. Kees van Veen, CEO of Agro Care, one of Europe’s largest greenhouse tomato producers and a Source.ag customer, said growers needed practical technology that could maintain stable growing conditions, control energy consumption and preserve product quality at scale. He described autonomous control as a logical next step for greenhouse production and said Agro Care intended to be among the first users. Commercial deployments planned for this winter Source.ag plans to launch the first autonomous deployments at customer greenhouses in Europe and North America during winter 2026–27. The company intends to extend its AI suite to additional crops, cultivation methods and geographical markets over time. The longer-term ambition is to make greenhouse production easier to deploy and operate across a wider range of regions, supporting year-round access to fresh produce despite increasingly volatile weather and energy conditions. The acquisition marks a shift in greenhouse AI from systems that primarily analyse crops and support decisions towards platforms designed to act directly on the growing environment. Its commercial significance will depend on how consistently autonomous control can improve yields, energy efficiency and operating performance across different greenhouse configurations and production conditions. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4850/ara-acquires-control-stake-in-pacific-ag-targeting-growth-in-crop-residue-logistics.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4850/ara-acquires-control-stake-in-pacific-ag-targeting-growth-in-crop-residue-logistics.html Mon, 19 Oct 2026 09:15:00 +0530 Ara Infrastructure, the infrastructure investment platform of global private equity firm Ara Partners, has acquired a majority interest in Pacific Ag, a North American crop residue supply and logistics company. The transaction expands Ara’s waste-to-value strategy and positions Pacific Ag to extend its role in agricultural supply chains. The deal targets a largely overlooked resource in US agriculture: the crop residue left behind after grain harvests. American farms generate hundreds of millions of tonnes of such material annually, including corn stover and wheat straw. While excess residue can create management costs for growers, it can also serve as a valuable raw material for downstream industries. Pacific Ag collects excess crop residue directly from fields and supplies it to end-markets including dairy and other animal protein operations, as well as mushroom growers that use agricultural materials as a growing medium. Its business model connects field-level residue management with established demand for agricultural feedstocks. The company operates a specialised harvesting fleet and logistics network designed to collect, store and deliver residue while protecting soil health. By managing these activities, Pacific Ag offers farmers an alternative to handling excess residue themselves, potentially reducing the need for additional equipment and labour while creating an additional revenue stream. Turning agricultural by-products into commercial value Pacific Ag’s model addresses two connected challenges: the cost of managing crop residue on farms and the demand for reliable agricultural feedstocks across multiple industries. Residue removal can require additional field operations and careful nutrient management. Pacific Ag coordinates harvesting and logistics, then directs the collected material towards customers that can use it productively. The approach creates a commercial link between farm-level residue management and industrial supply chains. Bill Levy, founder and chief executive of Pacific Ag, said the company was established nearly three decades ago around the premise that agricultural by-products could generate value rather than become waste. The company manages harvesting, storage and delivery, allowing growers to participate in the value chain without having to invest in additional machinery or labour, Levy said. With Ara’s backing, Pacific Ag aims to extend the model to more farms across the country. Ara backs an established agricultural logistics networkFor Ara Infrastructure, the acquisition aligns with its strategy of investing in businesses that convert underused resources into commercially valuable inputs. George Yong, partner and co-head of Ara Infrastructure, said Pacific Ag had developed a national network, established access to end-markets and long-standing customer relationships that would be difficult for a new entrant to replicate quickly. He described the investment as an example of Ara’s waste-to-value approach, adding that stronger domestic supply chains for feed, fuel and materials could support broader economic resilience. The transaction gives Pacific Ag a new investment partner as it seeks to expand its operations. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed in the announcement. Crop residue supply chain offers scope for expansion Pacific Ag’s business sits at the intersection of agricultural logistics, residue management and industrial feedstock supply. Its ability to coordinate collection and delivery across a broad geographic footprint is central to connecting dispersed farm-level resources with commercial customers. The acquisition also highlights the growing investor interest in infrastructure that can recover value from agricultural by-products. However, expansion will depend on local residue availability, collection economics, logistics costs, customer demand and the need to balance residue removal with soil health. For growers, the model offers a potential source of additional income from excess crop material. For downstream industries, it provides access to agricultural feedstocks through a specialised supply network. Ara’s investment is intended to help Pacific Ag build on that position and expand the reach of its existing business. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4846/livekindly-collective-completes-acquisition-of-dutch-plant-based-manufacturer-dalco-food.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4846/livekindly-collective-completes-acquisition-of-dutch-plant-based-manufacturer-dalco-food.html Mon, 19 Oct 2026 08:15:00 +0530 LIVEKINDLY Collective has completed its acquisition of Dalco Food B.V., a Netherlands-based manufacturer of plant-based foods, from UK-listed Hilton Food Group, strengthening its production and product-development capabilities across European retail, foodservice and business-to-business markets. The financial terms of the completed transaction were not disclosed by LIVEKINDLY Collective. When the deal was announced in July 2026, Hilton Food Group valued the sale at £5.4 million, with the business transferring to LIVEKINDLY’s subsidiary, Livekindly Production. Dalco primarily serves private-label, B2B and foodservice customers in the Netherlands and other European markets. The company brings manufacturing capacity, an in-house research and development department, product-development expertise and specialist breading capabilities to LIVEKINDLY Collective’s plant-based portfolio. The acquisition comes as LIVEKINDLY Collective seeks to build a production platform that can serve both its own consumer brands and external customers, including retailers and food companies seeking private-label products and customised plant-based solutions. Dalco adds manufacturing and product-development capabilitiesFounded in 1975, Dalco has a long-standing presence in the plant-based food sector. Hilton Food Group acquired a 50 per cent stake in the business in 2019 before taking full ownership in 2021. Hilton said the divestment would allow it to focus investment on its core businesses. The companies said Dalco’s works council had fully approved the takeover. LIVEKINDLY Collective plans to continue operations with Dalco’s existing team, retaining the workforce and operational expertise as it integrates the business into its wider production network. “For retailers and food companies looking for partners in the plant-based sector, whether through branded products, in the B2B sector or as private labels, we now offer a range of services that few others in Europe can match,” said David Suarez, CEO of LIVEKINDLY Collective. Building a broader European plant-based platform Dalco is the group’s second acquisition agreement of 2026. In July, LIVEKINDLY Collective signed an agreement to acquire Greenforce, a Munich-based producer of plant-based meat, egg and cheese alternatives. LIVEKINDLY said it expected to finalise that transaction in the coming weeks. The group sells brands including LIKE, Oumph! and Fry’s in more than 40 countries. It also received B Corp certification earlier in 2026, adding a sustainability credential to its international plant-based food business. The Dalco acquisition strengthens the group’s ability to combine branded products with manufacturing and private-label services. That mix could provide access to customers that want plant-based offerings without building their own product-development and production capabilities. The transaction also reflects a broader strategic focus on the infrastructure behind plant-based foods: product formulation, manufacturing capacity and partnerships with retailers and foodservice operators. These capabilities can help companies serve different market segments, although the commercial benefits will depend on customer demand, operational integration and the economics of production. With Dalco now part of the group, LIVEKINDLY Collective aims to expand its role in Europe’s plant-based food supply chain, supplying its own brands while offering manufacturing and development services to external partners. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4833/better-cotton-initiative-acquires-materras-co-platform-to-scale-regenerative-agriculture.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4833/better-cotton-initiative-acquires-materras-co-platform-to-scale-regenerative-agriculture.html Thu, 15 Oct 2026 15:10:15 +0530 The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) has acquired Co, an artificial intelligence-powered agricultural technology platform developed by Materra, as it seeks to scale regenerative agriculture and strengthen the credibility of sustainability data across the global cotton industry. Announced on October 15, 2026, the acquisition will bring Co's digital field intelligence capabilities into BCI's operations, extending a platform previously used by Materra's programme with 10,000 farmers to a network of more than 1.3 million farmers aligned with BCI's standard. BCI CEO Nick Weatherill announced the acquisition at a launch reception in Vancouver, Canada, marking the organisation's evolution towards a regenerative standard system. The deal addresses a growing challenge for agricultural sustainability programmes: translating commitments to regenerative farming into measurable, verifiable improvements at the farm level. As brands and retailers face increasing pressure to substantiate environmental claims, the availability of consistent field-level data is becoming an important factor in sourcing decisions. Co is designed to streamline digital data collection, support farmers through AI-powered guidance and tutorials, and help field-level organisations monitor the adoption of regenerative practices. Its capabilities include digital farmer profiles, regional dashboards and comparable historical datasets that can be used to track progress and identify areas requiring intervention. By bringing the platform in-house, BCI intends to strengthen its ability to validate impact data, improve operational oversight and establish feedback mechanisms that support continuous improvement across its cotton sustainability programme. "Co will manage BCI's field intelligence, enabling efficient digital data collection at farm level and delivering high-quality validated impact data, actionable insights, greater integrity controls and feedback loops to drive continuous improvement," Weatherill said. He added that integrating established field technologies and specialist expertise would strengthen BCI's digital capabilities, reduce administrative burdens on farmers and make it easier for retailers to source BCI cotton supported by credible impact data. From pilot programmes to global scale Co's integration into BCI represents a significant expansion in the potential reach of the technology. Materra developed the platform to help farmers and supply-chain partners coordinate the transition towards regenerative agriculture while improving the visibility of on-farm practices and outcomes. The platform's earlier engagement with 10,000 farmers provided a foundation for broader deployment. Under BCI, the intended reach extends to more than 1.3 million farmers aligned with its standard, although the scale of actual adoption and the resulting impact will depend on implementation across participating regions. For field organisations, digital profiles and historical datasets can improve consistency in monitoring agricultural practices across geographies. AI-powered guidance may also help farmers access relevant information and simplify reporting, potentially reducing the administrative work associated with sustainability programmes. The acquisition also gives BCI a technology platform through which it can provide brands and retailers with more detailed information about the farms and practices underpinning their cotton sourcing. Brands seek stronger evidence of sustainability The move comes as fashion and retail supply chains place greater emphasis on traceability, measurable environmental outcomes and the credibility of sustainability claims. For cotton buyers, certification or alignment with a sustainability standard is only one part of the equation. Reliable assessments of farm-level practices and their outcomes are increasingly important for evaluating progress and directing sourcing strategies. Co's dashboards and historical data are intended to help BCI's members compare performance over time, identify gaps and make more informed sourcing decisions. The platform could also improve the flow of information between farmers, field-level organisations and downstream buyers. However, digital data collection and AI-based guidance do not, by themselves, establish that regenerative practices have delivered measurable environmental improvements. The value of the platform will depend on the quality of the underlying data, the robustness of validation processes and the ability to demonstrate outcomes across different farming systems. Materra sees an opportunity to expand its model Materra CEO Ed Brial said the company's original ambition was to help farmers and supply chains work together on a regenerative transition that reflects local farming conditions while achieving scale through consumer-facing retail markets. Having worked with 10,000 farmers through its sourcing programme, Materra sees BCI as a partner capable of extending the model across a substantially larger cotton network. The acquisition brings together Materra's technology expertise and BCI's established sustainability programme, creating an opportunity to integrate digital monitoring more deeply into cotton production and sourcing. The strategic test will be whether this expanded infrastructure can translate greater data coverage into measurable improvements in farming practices, environmental performance and farmer outcomes. For BCI, scaling regenerative agriculture will require not only reaching more farmers but also demonstrating that the transition delivers credible, sustained results across the supply chain. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4831/greatview-faces-delisting-as-newjf-integration-reshapes-chinas-aseptic-packaging-market.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4831/greatview-faces-delisting-as-newjf-integration-reshapes-chinas-aseptic-packaging-market.html Thu, 15 Oct 2026 13:05:00 +0530 Greatview Aseptic Packaging Co., Ltd. is challenging a decision by the Hong Kong Stock Exchange's Listing Committee to cancel its listing status, adding uncertainty over the future of one of China's established aseptic packaging businesses as its integration with Shandong NewJF Technology Packaging Co., Ltd. advances. Greatview announced that it was reviewing the committee's decision and preparing an appeal. The development follows a prolonged trading suspension triggered by a sharp contraction in the company's public float after NewJF launched a tender offer through its wholly owned subsidiary, Jinfeng Holdings Limited. The offeror and its concert parties subsequently held a combined 97.76 per cent stake in Greatview, leaving just 2.24 per cent in public hands, well below the Hong Kong Stock Exchange's minimum public float requirement of 25 per cent. Trading in Greatview shares was suspended on February 19, 2025. NewJF had previously committed to maintaining Greatview's listing and refraining from exercising compulsory acquisition rights. However, the Exchange issued resumption guidance on May 12, 2025, requiring Greatview to restore its public float to the prescribed threshold and complete an independent internal control review, among other conditions. By August 18, 2026, when the suspension reached 18 months, all three resumption conditions remained unmet. The subsequent delisting decision puts the focus on whether Greatview can secure a review and satisfy the Exchange's requirements. Integration advances despite listing uncertainty The corporate governance and listing issues have unfolded alongside a broader consolidation of China's domestic aseptic packaging industry. NewJF's integration with Greatview combines complementary customer relationships, production capacity and technical expertise, strengthening its position in a market historically dominated by foreign suppliers. NewJF serves liquid milk companies including Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group, New Hope Dairy Holdings and Ningxia Xiajin Dairy Industry Group, as well as non-carbonated beverage brands Wanglaoji and JDB. Greatview's established customer base includes China Mengniu Dairy and other major dairy producers. The combined businesses are expanding their reach across domestic packaging supply chains, with NewJF's share of China's aseptic packaging market exceeding 20 per cent, according to the information provided. Industry procurement trends point to a gradual shift towards domestic suppliers. In the first half of 2026, domestic aseptic packaging accounted for nearly 42 per cent of procurement by leading Chinese dairy companies, compared with less than 30 per cent in 2024. More producers are allocating packaging orders for flagship product lines to integrated domestic suppliers, challenging the longstanding model in which Tetra Pak-led foreign suppliers dominated the market and domestic manufacturers played a supplementary role. The shift does not, however, establish that foreign suppliers have lost their dominant position. Rather, it suggests that domestic manufacturers are becoming more competitive in a strategically important segment of China's dairy and beverage supply chain. Capacity and technology underpin expansion NewJF's integration strategy has begun to translate into operational milestones. Its aseptic packaging materials project, with an annual capacity of 5 billion packs, became operational in March 2026, expanding its manufacturing base. The companies are also combining customer resources and maintaining relationships with core accounts. Their research and development teams have intensified collaboration in filling-machine development, spare parts and after-sales services, with the stated aim of accelerating the localisation of key components. These capabilities could help domestic suppliers offer a more integrated proposition, spanning packaging materials, filling equipment and technical support. For dairy and beverage producers, the availability of such services alongside packaging supply may influence procurement decisions, particularly as domestic manufacturers seek to compete on reliability, cost and responsiveness. The extent to which these advantages translate into sustained market-share gains will depend on product quality, operational consistency, customer retention and the ability to meet the technical requirements of high-volume production lines. Revenue growth strengthens the industrial case NewJF's first-half 2026 financial performance provides another indication of the expansion underway. The company reported revenue of $234.52 million (RMB 1.58 billion), an increase of 26.06 per cent year on year. Aseptic packaging for liquid milk generated $192.83 million (RMB 1.30 billion), up 19.56 per cent and accounting for 82.22 per cent of total revenue. The contribution underscores the strategic importance of dairy packaging to the group's business. The figures point to continued demand for its core products, although revenue growth alone does not establish the profitability of the integration or the financial implications of Greatview's listing uncertainty. A changing competitive landscape For NewJF and Greatview, the immediate challenge is twofold: advancing industrial integration while resolving the regulatory and governance issues surrounding Greatview's suspended listing. The listing review remains a distinct matter from the commercial performance of the combined businesses. An appeal does not itself guarantee that the delisting decision will be reversed, and the company's ability to resume trading will depend on the applicable Exchange requirements and the outcome of the review process. At the industry level, the integration has strengthened the domestic supplier base at a time when Chinese dairy companies are increasing their procurement from local manufacturers. Yet a domestic market share exceeding 20 per cent is not, by itself, evidence that foreign suppliers' leading positions have been overturned. The more consequential question is whether domestic manufacturers can convert greater scale into sustained technological competitiveness, dependable service and a larger share of premium packaging contracts. Greatview's listing uncertainty may complicate the corporate picture, but the underlying contest for China's aseptic packaging market will continue to be determined by capacity, innovation, customer relationships and execution. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4821/biofirst-acquires-remaining-14-71-per-cent-stake-in-biotrop-deepening-brazil-commitment.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4821/biofirst-acquires-remaining-14-71-per-cent-stake-in-biotrop-deepening-brazil-commitment.html Tue, 13 Oct 2026 11:51:49 +0530 BioFirst Group has acquired the remaining 14.71 per cent minority stake in Biotrop, Brazil’s leading biologicals company, from Aqua Capital and Zempar, moving to consolidate full ownership of the business ahead of schedule. The transaction marks a strategic step in BioFirst’s efforts to simplify its corporate structure, integrate Biotrop more closely with its other divisions and accelerate synergies across biological crop protection. The company said the acquisition would not create additional liabilities, as the transaction had been fully provisioned for. Biotrop, which BioFirst acquired in 2023, operates in Brazil’s expanding market for agricultural biologicals, spanning biopesticides, biostimulants and inoculants for both broad-acre and specialty crops. Its expanded role within the group is expected to support BioFirst’s ambitions to develop and commercialise biological solutions across international markets. The ownership consolidation comes as biological crop inputs attract greater attention as alternatives to conventional agricultural chemistry. For BioFirst, full ownership offers greater scope to coordinate investment, production, commercial strategy and market development across its biologicals portfolio. Biotrop scales production in Brazil Brazil has become an important market for agricultural biologicals, supported by demand for crop productivity solutions and a regulatory environment tailored to biological products. Biotrop has been expanding its industrial capabilities to serve this demand. In 2026, the division’s latest investment is expected to deliver production capacity of 23 million litres of beneficial bacteria and 600 tonnes of beneficial fungi. According to BioFirst, this capacity is sufficient to serve up to 50 million hectares of Brazilian farmland. The expansion gives Biotrop a substantial production base from which to develop biological crop protection, biostimulant and inoculant solutions for farmers. These products can offer alternatives to conventional crop inputs, depending on the crop, application, pest or disease pressure, and the performance of the specific biological solution. Scaling production is also central to the economics of biological inputs. Industrial capacity, distribution networks and technical support can help suppliers serve more farmers while improving the commercial viability of biological solutions across different farming systems. Full ownership sharpens the integration strategy BioFirst said the acquisition would accelerate its strategy by bringing Biotrop more fully into the group’s operating structure. The objective is to simplify ownership arrangements and capture synergies across the broader biological crop protection portfolio. “Becoming a fully integrated division of BioFirst Group opens up an entirely new level of opportunity for Biotrop,” said Jonas Hipólito, President of Biotrop. “Backed by the group’s expertise and global reach, we’re ready to grow beyond Brazil and deliver our biological solutions to farmers in new markets – building more resilient, more sustainable and more profitable agriculture, at international scale.” The acquisition could provide Biotrop with access to BioFirst’s broader capabilities and international reach, while enabling the parent group to coordinate its biologicals activities more closely. The potential benefits will depend on how effectively the group translates ownership consolidation into operational efficiencies, market access and commercial growth. Biotrop’s management will remain invested in the business, while Antonio Zem will continue to serve on the BioFirst Group Board. This arrangement preserves leadership continuity as the company moves into a more integrated phase of operations. Building a broader biological alternative BioFirst views the acquisition as a decisive step towards offering farmers a more comprehensive portfolio of biological crop protection solutions. “Acquiring full ownership of Biotrop ahead of schedule is a decisive step in our strategy,” said Jean-Marc Vandoorne, CEO of BioFirst Group. “It simplifies our structure, accelerates integration, and lets us unlock synergies across the group faster. Together, our divisions give growers a complete biological alternative – and that is exactly where the future of agriculture is heading.” The strategic opportunity extends beyond Brazil. By combining Biotrop’s production scale and local market presence with BioFirst’s group-level expertise and international reach, the company aims to expand the geographical reach of its biological solutions. However, international expansion will require more than manufacturing capacity. Biological products must meet destination-market regulatory requirements, demonstrate performance under local agronomic conditions and be supported by distribution, farmer education and technical service. The acquisition therefore represents both an ownership milestone and an execution challenge. BioFirst has consolidated control of a major Brazilian biologicals business; the next test will be whether closer integration can translate into faster innovation, stronger commercial reach and sustainable growth across international markets. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4794/harmoniz-acquires-hw-seeds-to-strengthen-its-bet-on-flavor-driven-tomato-breeding.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4794/harmoniz-acquires-hw-seeds-to-strengthen-its-bet-on-flavor-driven-tomato-breeding.html Wed, 07 Oct 2026 17:58:29 +0530 Harmoniz has acquired Dutch tomato breeding company HW Seeds, bringing together two businesses with a shared focus on genetics, flavor and high-tech protected production as competition in fresh produce breeding increasingly shifts towards consumer preferences. Based in Winschoten, the Netherlands, HW Seeds is known for developing tomato varieties with an emphasis on flavor and eating quality, alongside breeding expertise suited to high-tech production environments. Its capabilities complement Harmoniz’s existing breeding platform and consumer-driven approach to variety development. The acquisition is expected to broaden Harmoniz’s innovation pipeline, improve the speed at which new varieties reach the market and strengthen its ability to respond to changing requirements from growers, customers and consumers globally. “At Harmoniz, we start with what consumers want and connect those needs all the way back to breeding,” says Ofer Ben-Zvi, CEO of Harmoniz. “HW Seeds shares that vision. They have built an impressive business by putting flavor, quality, and customer needs at the core of variety development. Bringing together our genetics and expertise creates exciting new possibilities to deliver even better eating experiences for consumers and greater value across the chain.” Putting taste at the centre of breeding HW Seeds has built its position around a relatively straightforward proposition: tomatoes need to perform commercially without compromising the qualities that determine whether consumers want to buy them again. That focus gives Harmoniz an additional layer of breeding expertise as the company expands its work in protected crops. Combining the two businesses’ genetic resources and breeding capabilities is expected to create more opportunities to develop varieties that balance taste, quality and production performance. “From the beginning, our goal at HW Seeds has been to develop tomatoes that people genuinely enjoy eating while giving growers and customers varieties that work for their businesses,” says Roel Huisman, Director, HW Seeds. “At the heart of this has been the breeding expertise and dedication of my long-time partner, Arie van der Windt, HW Seeds Breeder, together with our exceptional team.” Huisman says joining Harmoniz will allow HW Seeds to pursue the same philosophy at greater scale, while benefiting from what the companies see as a strong cultural and strategic fit. The acquisition also gives Harmoniz another route to accelerate product development. In a breeding business, the commercial value of a new variety depends not only on its genetic characteristics but also on how quickly it can move from development to growers and markets. Harmoniz said the combination with HW Seeds will help shorten that path. Building a broader protected-crop platform The transaction forms part of Harmoniz’s wider strategy of combining organic growth with targeted acquisitions. The company is seeking to deepen its capabilities in flavor, taste and the overall eating experience while expanding across the geographies and market segments in which it operates. “This is ultimately about our commitment to continue providing greater value across the value chain,” says Ben-Zvi. “Markets will continue to change, and so will the expectations of growers, customers and consumers. Our job is to stay ahead of those needs and keep raising the bar on what great vegetables can deliver.” With HW Seeds now part of the business, Harmoniz is effectively adding specialist tomato genetics and flavor-led breeding expertise to its broader consumer-driven model. The deal underscores a wider shift in protected horticulture: breeding is increasingly being asked to solve not just production challenges, but the harder question of what makes consumers choose one vegetable over another. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4793/biofirst-group-takes-full-ownership-of-biotrop-deepening-its-global-biologicals-ambition.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4793/biofirst-group-takes-full-ownership-of-biotrop-deepening-its-global-biologicals-ambition.html Wed, 07 Oct 2026 17:50:24 +0530 BioFirst Group, formerly Biobest Group, has acquired the remaining 14.71 per cent stake in Brazilian biologicals company Biotrop, giving it full ownership of the business and accelerating its push to build a global biologicals platform. The minority stake was acquired from shareholders including Aqua Capital and Zempar, ahead of the originally planned timeline. The transaction simplifies BioFirst’s ownership structure, enables deeper integration of Biotrop into the group and is expected to accelerate synergies across its biological crop protection portfolio. The deal does not create additional liabilities for BioFirst Group, as the transaction had been fully provisioned for. Biotrop’s management will remain invested in the business, while Antonio Zem continues to serve on the BioFirst Group board, providing continuity as the Brazilian company enters its next phase of expansion. Biotrop gives BioFirst industrial scale in Brazil Acquired by BioFirst in 2023, Biotrop has established itself as a major player in Brazil’s rapidly expanding biologicals market, with products spanning biopesticides, biostimulants and inoculants for both row crops and specialty crops. The scale of its manufacturing operation is becoming a key competitive advantage. In 2026, Biotrop’s latest investment is expected to deliver production capacity of 23 million litres of beneficial bacteria and 600 tonnes of beneficial fungi. The output could cover as much as 50 million hectares of Brazilian farmland, putting the business among the largest industrial-scale biologicals operations in the market. Brazil’s regulatory framework for biological products and the rapid adoption of biological solutions have created favourable conditions for Biotrop’s expansion. For BioFirst, full ownership now provides greater control over how the Brazilian platform is integrated with its wider technology, commercial and manufacturing capabilities. “Becoming a fully integrated division of BioFirst Group opens up an entirely new level of opportunity for Biotrop,” says Jonas Hipólito, President of Biotrop. “Backed by the group's expertise and global reach, we're ready to grow beyond Brazil and deliver our biological solutions to farmers in new markets - building more resilient, more sustainable and more profitable agriculture, at international scale.” The acquisition also follows BioFirst Group’s recent decision to take full ownership of its production activities in Morocco, signalling a broader strategy of bringing strategically important biologicals assets under direct group control. From biologicals specialist to integrated platform The Biotrop deal is significant because it expands BioFirst’s reach across multiple segments of biological crop protection rather than adding another single-product business to its portfolio. Biotrop brings microbial solutions, including biopesticides, biostimulants and inoculants. BioBest adds macrobiologicals and pollination solutions. Together, the businesses give BioFirst exposure across a broader biologicals value chain, from soil and microbial technologies to crop protection, beneficial insects and pollination. That breadth is central to the group’s ambition to become the world’s leading pure-play biologicals company and rank among the top 10 companies in the global agricultural industry by 2034. “Acquiring full ownership of Biotrop ahead of schedule is a decisive step in our strategy,” says Jean-Marc Vandoorne, CEO of BioFirst Group. “It simplifies our structure, accelerates integration, and lets us unlock synergies across the group faster. Together, our divisions give growers a complete biological alternative - and that is exactly where the future of agriculture is heading.” “We are proud of what Biotrop has achieved and of its continued success under BioFirst's ownership. Biotrop is an entrepreneurial, science- and client-driven business, and in BioFirst it has found an owner well placed to support its next phase of growth - an inspiration for the sector and for Brazil's agricultural entrepreneurs,” says Sebastian Popik, Managing Partner of Aqua Capital. Hipólito sees the completion of the transaction as the beginning of a new chapter rather than the end of the company’s M&A journey. “Closing the acquisition of the remaining shares completes one of those rare M&A journeys where everyone wins: the sellers, the buyer, and the people who built, and continue to build, Biotrop,” he says. “We are grateful to our previous shareholders for their role in our growth. Now, with BioFirst, we move forward even stronger, with solid values and a clear vision to build the best and biggest biological player in the world.” With Biotrop now fully integrated, BioFirst is moving from a collection of complementary biologicals businesses towards a more unified global platform. The strategic question is no longer whether biologicals can become a larger part of crop protection, but how quickly a company with scale across microbial, macrobiological and pollination technologies can convert that breadth into a global competitive advantage. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4783/growmark-to-take-full-ownership-of-illinois-river-grain-terminal.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4783/growmark-to-take-full-ownership-of-illinois-river-grain-terminal.html Mon, 05 Oct 2026 15:21:18 +0530 GROWMARK is taking full ownership of Imperial Valley Terminal, a grain handling facility on the Illinois River in Havana, Illinois, as the agricultural cooperative looks to strengthen its grain logistics network and expand access to domestic and export markets. GROWMARK and CHS have jointly owned the terminal, also known as CHS Havana, for several years. Under the new ownership structure, GROWMARK will assume full control of the facility. Lakeside Grain Trading will manage the terminal’s grain operations, while Sunrise FS will continue to operate its agronomy and energy assets. Both businesses are wholly owned by GROWMARK. The terminal serves as an important delivery point for farmers and commercial grain companies, connecting grain supplies from the region with export markets while also supporting the movement of crop nutrients into the agricultural supply chain. For GROWMARK, the acquisition is less about adding another standalone grain facility than about gaining greater control over a strategically located piece of its agricultural logistics infrastructure. Full ownership gives the company greater scope to streamline operations and invest in the terminal as volumes and customer demand increase. “Full ownership of Imperial Valley Terminal strengthens GROWMARK’s grain network and creates additional value for our member-owners,” said Joe Kapraun, Executive Director of Grain Business at GROWMARK. “It also positions us to expand opportunities for customers throughout the region.” The facility’s location along the Illinois River gives it access to an important transportation corridor for moving agricultural commodities. That positioning allows the terminal to connect local and regional grain production with downstream markets while supporting the broader movement of agricultural inputs. GROWMARK said full ownership will enable it to expand the high-volume facility and improve its ability to serve a growing customer base. The transaction also brings the terminal’s grain, agronomy and energy operations under a more integrated ownership structure. Lakeside Grain Trading will oversee grain activities, while Sunrise FS will retain responsibility for the facility’s agronomy and energy operations. As agricultural supply chains face increasing pressure to move crops and inputs efficiently, strategically located grain terminals have become an increasingly important part of the farm-to-market equation. For GROWMARK, the Imperial Valley acquisition adds another piece to that network while giving the company greater flexibility to invest in capacity and customer services. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4781/amvac-adds-syngenta-crop-protection-products-across-key-us-specialty-crops.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4781/amvac-adds-syngenta-crop-protection-products-across-key-us-specialty-crops.html Mon, 05 Oct 2026 15:04:38 +0530 American Vanguard Corporation is expanding its US crop-protection portfolio through an agreement to acquire the US rights to four established products from Syngenta Crop Protection. The company said its principal operating subsidiary, AMVAC Chemical Corporation, has entered into agreements with Syngenta Crop Protection LLC and Syngenta Crop Protection AG to acquire the applicable US rights to Caparol, Evik, Prime+ and Agri-Flex. The products span several agricultural markets, including cotton, vegetables, sugarcane, pineapple, tobacco and specialty crops. American Vanguard expects the acquisition to generate more than $7 million in annual net sales, adding another revenue stream as the company works towards its longer-term growth targets. “The addition of these well-established brands to the AMVAC portfolio expands and strengthens our offerings in core crops while providing American farmers solutions for their specific field challenges,” said Dak Kaye, Chief Executive Officer of American Vanguard. The acquisition comes as AMVAC seeks to broaden its product portfolio while building sales from newer products. Kaye said the transaction supports the company’s goal of generating $100 million in new product sales by 2030 and its plan to reach annualised sales of $600 million by the end of 2028. The transaction includes the applicable US end-use product registrations and trademarks. Financial terms were not disclosed. American Vanguard said the acquisition is expected to be accretive to earnings over the next year and improve its leverage ratio over the next 12 months and beyond. The four products bring different crop-protection capabilities to AMVAC’s portfolio. Caparol is a residual herbicide used to control broadleaf weeds and grasses in crops including cotton, vegetables and peas. It can also be used in burndown tank-mix programmes. Evik is a niche herbicide primarily used in sugarcane and pineapple production, where the product has established market recognition. Prime+ is a plant growth regulator used for sucker control in tobacco. The product is designed to support labour-saving, single-application programmes in major tobacco-producing states. Agri-Flex is an insecticide used in specialty crops, with a particular presence in Florida citrus. It provides residual control of key pests and can be incorporated into integrated pest management programmes as a rotational product. For AMVAC, the appeal of the transaction extends beyond the immediate revenue contribution. The four products give the company additional exposure to established crop markets and specialty segments while complementing its existing crop-protection portfolio. The company said it will work with Syngenta through the registration-transfer process, with a focus on maintaining product availability and ensuring continuity of service for growers and distribution partners in the US. The acquisition also underscores the strategic value of established crop-protection products at a time when companies are looking to strengthen portfolios through targeted transactions rather than relying solely on internally developed products. For American Vanguard, the deal provides an opportunity to add recognised products across several crops while supporting its broader sales and new-product ambitions through 2028 and beyond. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4759/zenatech-revenue-surges-425-in-first-half-as-drone-as-a-service-business-scales.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4759/zenatech-revenue-surges-425-in-first-half-as-drone-as-a-service-business-scales.html Wed, 30 Sep 2026 09:36:38 +0530 ZenaTech Inc is accelerating the commercial build-out of its drone business, with revenue jumping 316 per cent year on year in the second quarter and 425 per cent in the first half of 2026 as its Drone as a Service (DaaS) segment continued to account for the bulk of sales. The AI-powered drone technology company reported second-quarter revenue of C$9.3 million, up from C$2.2 million a year earlier. Revenue for the six months ended June 30 reached C$17.7 million, compared with C$3.4 million in the corresponding period of 2025. DaaS contributed C$8.1 million in the quarter and C$16.4 million in the first half, representing almost 93 per cent of total revenue in both periods. The latest numbers extend a growth streak that ZenaTech says has now reached seven consecutive quarters. Revenue has risen more than 13-fold from C$700,000 in the fourth quarter of 2024 to C$9.3 million in the second quarter of 2026. “The second quarter of 2026 marked continued momentum for ZenaTech, with DaaS revenue growing to $8.1 million for a total of $9.3 million of revenue for the quarter,” said Dr Shaun Passley, Chairman, President and CEO of ZenaTech. The company’s strategy combines acquisitions of established surveying, inspection and service businesses with the deployment of drones to automate and scale those operations. During the quarter, ZenaTech added four businesses to its DaaS platform, taking its cumulative DaaS acquisition count to 24 at the end of June and 29 to date. Among the acquisitions were Andy Paris Land Surveying, North Group, High Prairie Survey Company and Green Earth Powerwashing Franchise Network. The North Group transaction also marked the company’s expansion into Australia, while subsequent acquisitions expanded its DaaS footprint into additional sectors and regions, including oil and gas and 14 US states. ZenaTech has also signed offers to acquire additional land surveying and geospatial services companies across the US, Canada and Australia. The company expects these transactions, if completed, to contribute approximately C$40 million in revenue to its DaaS business during their first 12 months. The expansion comes alongside a broader push into defence and government applications. ZenaTech said it advanced Blue UAS certification efforts for its ZenaDrone 1000, IQ Square and IQ Nano platforms and submitted the IQ Quad land-survey drone for certification. It is also developing Counter-UAS and interceptor systems, including the ZenaDrone 2000, IQ Glider and Interceptor P-1. The company has begun testing the Interceptor P-1 and moved its IQ Aqua underwater mine-detection drone into US field testing in Florida. ZenaDrone has also begun scheduling technology demonstrations with US government defence agencies, including an initial engagement involving the IQ Nano indoor drone for inventory management. At the same time, ZenaTech is building out an enterprise software business around Zoo Office, an AI-powered productivity platform intended to bring its existing software portfolio under a single brand. The platform currently incorporates 13 software packages, including HR software company NOW Solutions and enterprise performance management and compliance software company ESM. The financial picture shows a company investing heavily to support that expansion. Total assets increased 50 per cent to C$149.2 million as of June 30 from C$99.8 million at the end of 2025, while shareholders’ equity rose to C$91.3 million from C$68 million. Cash more than doubled to C$12.2 million, while cash and marketable securities together reached C$34.6 million, compared with C$15.1 million at the end of 2025. The growth, however, is being accompanied by substantial investment. ZenaTech reported a net loss of C$22.5 million for the second quarter, which the company attributed to investments in building the global infrastructure required to scale its AI-autonomy drone platforms and support future government and defence pilots and contracts. Beyond surveying and inspection, the company is positioning drones across a widening range of applications, including oil and gas regulation, environmental surveying, construction monitoring, firefighting and maritime operations. It has filed five US provisional patents covering acoustic fire suppression and aerial wildfire assessment technology for the ZenaDrone 1000 and launched ZenaWorx, a drone- and LiDAR-based construction-progress monitoring platform aimed initially at AI data-centre construction. For the remainder of 2026, ZenaTech expects growth to be driven by closing and integrating additional acquisitions, expanding drone-based delivery across its acquired service businesses, advancing Blue UAS certification and government demonstrations, developing Counter-UAS systems and scaling manufacturing across facilities in Arizona, the UAE and Taiwan. The company also plans to continue commercialising Zoo Office and expanding its Enterprise SaaS business. “Our pipeline of innovative products now spans air, land, indoor, maritime and underwater applications for both commercial and defense applications,” Passley said. “We remain focused on converting the surveying, inspection and power washing businesses we’ve acquired onto drone-based delivery, which we believe will continue to expand margins as integration progresses.” ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4682/upl-japan-strengthens-npp-biosolutions-platform-with-phytochrome-investment.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4682/upl-japan-strengthens-npp-biosolutions-platform-with-phytochrome-investment.html Thu, 17 Sep 2026 17:46:21 +0530 UPL Corp Japan has acquired a stake in PhytoChrome Co., Ltd., a Japanese developer of biostimulants and fertilisers, deepening a strategic partnership that began in 2023 and strengthening UPL’s push into nature-based agricultural solutions. The investment brings PhytoChrome further into UPL’s NPP Biosolutions portfolio and is aimed at combining the two companies’ complementary capabilities to develop products designed to help farmers manage increasingly complex crop and environmental stresses. UPL Corp Japan and PhytoChrome have been strategic alliance partners since October 2023. Under the expanded relationship, the companies will work on solutions intended to improve crop performance and resilience while supporting more sustainable agricultural production. PhytoChrome will continue to operate independently. The partnership builds on the Impact Series, a portfolio developed by combining NPP’s GA142 technology, Ajinomoto’s amino acids and PhytoChrome’s innovations. The solutions are designed to address a range of environmental and soil-related challenges affecting crop productivity, including heat stress, drought, salinity, cold conditions and soil acidity. The investment reflects UPL’s broader strategy of expanding its biosolutions offering beyond conventional crop protection and increasing access to naturally derived technologies. Through NPP Biosolutions, UPL is developing solutions aimed at helping growers maintain crop productivity while addressing environmental, economic and social sustainability objectives. By bringing together PhytoChrome’s expertise in biostimulants and fertilisers with UPL’s broader biosolutions platform, the companies intend to accelerate the development and deployment of nature-based technologies for growers. The collaboration is expected to focus on solutions that can improve crop resilience under challenging growing conditions while creating value across the agricultural ecosystem. The transaction also extends UPL’s presence in Japan’s agricultural technology landscape, where demand for innovative inputs and solutions that support sustainable crop production is creating opportunities for collaboration between established agricultural companies and specialised technology developers. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4667/guizhou-nanfang-dairy-secures-bse-ipo-registration-approval-plans-81-11-mn-fundraise.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4667/guizhou-nanfang-dairy-secures-bse-ipo-registration-approval-plans-81-11-mn-fundraise.html Wed, 16 Sep 2026 14:28:02 +0530 Guizhou Nanfang Dairy Co., Ltd. (Nanfang Dairy) has secured approval for its initial public offering (IPO) registration on the Beijing Stock Exchange (BSE), marking a key step in the dairy company’s planned expansion of production capacity and market reach. Nanfang Dairy passed the BSE IPO review on March 18 and submitted its registration application to the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) on April 30. The company received registration approval 119 days later. On September 4, Nanfang Dairy disclosed that it had received approval for its public share issuance registration to unspecified qualified investors. On September 8, it announced further progress on the public offering and BSE listing and disclosed a trading suspension. Under the approved plan, Nanfang Dairy intends to issue up to 35.19 million shares to unspecified qualified investors, excluding the over-allotment option, for listing on the BSE. The company plans to raise up to $ 81.11 million (RMB550 million), with the proceeds earmarked primarily for a dairy farming base project in Weining County and the development of its marketing network. The planned investment comes as Nanfang Dairy seeks to strengthen both ends of its business—raw milk supply and downstream market access. The Weining County dairy farming base is expected to support the company’s milk supply capacity, while the marketing network project is aimed at expanding its reach across markets and channels. The company’s first-half performance showed continued revenue growth, although profitability came under pressure. According to its H1 2026 report released on August 26, Nanfang Dairy recorded revenue of $ 132.17 million (RMB 896.27 million), an increase of 4.97 per cent year on year. Net profit attributable to shareholders, however, declined 16.08 per cent to $ 15.18 million (RMB 102.91 million). The revenue increase was supported by active market expansion and new business development. Sales of ambient dairy products rose by $ 4.18 million (RMB 28.34 million) from a year earlier, driven mainly by school milk and customised channels. Other core products also contributed to growth, with sales increasing by $ 2.05 million (RMB 13.93 million). Raw milk sales rose by $ 0.96 million (RMB 6.53 million), while dairy beverages and other new products added $ 1.09 million (RMB 7.40 million). The contrasting movement in revenue and profit highlights the pressure facing dairy companies as they seek growth in a competitive market. While Nanfang Dairy has expanded sales through new channels and products, its ability to translate that growth into stronger earnings will remain linked to raw material costs, market competition and operating efficiency. As the newly approved projects are implemented, the company expects greater raw milk supply capacity and a broader marketing network to strengthen its operating platform. The expansion could provide additional room for product and channel growth, but the impact on profitability will depend on how effectively the company manages input costs and competitive pressures. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4650/p101-leads-5-2-mn-round-in-biorsaf-as-food-regtech-consolidation-accelerates.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4650/p101-leads-5-2-mn-round-in-biorsaf-as-food-regtech-consolidation-accelerates.html Fri, 11 Sep 2026 17:15:22 +0530 Italy’s food industry is becoming the next frontier for RegTech as Biorsaf raises €5.2 million in a round led by P101 SGR and acquires Cooki, bringing together two complementary platforms to build what the companies describe as Italy’s first integrated digital solution for food compliance and data management. The transaction marks a shift in how food businesses manage increasingly complex regulatory and operational requirements. Rather than digitising individual functions, the combined platform aims to connect the full compliance chain — from food safety and HACCP to quality, traceability, nutritional information, food costs and labelling. The new capital will support a three-year expansion programme centred on artificial intelligence, product development and market consolidation. Biorsaf plans to grow its team from 40 employees to 120 within the next 18 months, while targeting exponential annual revenue growth. The opportunity is substantial but remains largely untapped. The Italian food, work and water safety market comprises around 3.4 million businesses and generates more than €12 billion in revenue, yet the sector’s digitalisation rate remains at just 3 per cent, according to the company. At the centre of Biorsaf’s expansion is the development of an AI-powered platform designed to automate quality, safety and operational processes. The ambition is not simply to replace paper-based procedures, but to turn compliance data into an operating layer for food businesses. Founded in 2021 in Castell'Azzara, Grosseto, by a team with more than four decades of experience in food safety, Biorsaf has developed BS-Safe, a vertical platform that digitises food safety, workplace safety and water-quality management. It enables businesses to automate controls, improve traceability and manage regulatory compliance and documentation centrally. The company says it has become Italy’s leading operator in the segment within three years, with more than 10,000 active users across customers ranging from independent operators to large restaurant chains, HORECA businesses and grocery retailers. Its customer base includes Gruppo Cigierre, which operates brands including Old Wild West, American Graffiti, Pizzikotto, Wiener Haus and Shi's, as well as GDO operator Conad. The economics of digitisation are also becoming increasingly tangible. By eliminating paper-based processes and automating traditionally manual controls, Biorsaf estimates that its platform saves around 30 minutes of work per user each day. Across its active user base, the company estimates that this translated into more than €30 million in potential operating-cost savings in 2025, while also improving efficiency, sustainability and workplace safety. Biorsaf has also moved beyond software towards specialised AI tools. It has developed what it describes as the first professional AI agent dedicated to digital food-safety management, designed to automate monitoring, compliance checks, control activities and document management for companies and specialist consultants. Cooki Adds the Missing Operational Layer The acquisition of Cooki expands that proposition from compliance into the day-to-day management of food information and operations. Founded by Giuseppe Grammatico in 2017, Cooki operates across more than 450 Italian cities, with over 1,000 active users and a database containing more than 35,000 coded products. Its platform supports traceability, labelling, food-cost management, inventory and allergen-risk management. Bringing the two businesses together creates a broader digital architecture covering the principal data and compliance processes across the food chain. For Biorsaf, the strategic value extends beyond product integration. The acquisition is the first step in a broader consolidation strategy targeting an Italian market that remains highly fragmented. “With the new round and the acquisition of Cooki we are accelerating Biorsaf’s growth. In just three years we have built the reference platform for food compliance automation in Italy and are now ready for the next phase of development. The integration with Cooki completes our offering and represents the first step in a strategy to consolidate a still highly fragmented market. Our objective is to grow rapidly, both organically and through market consolidation and technological innovation, putting artificial intelligence at the service of safety and efficiency for food-sector businesses,” said Marco Papalini, CEO, Biorsaf. For P101, the investment fits a broader thesis around technology serving highly regulated industries. “Biorsaf has all the characteristics we look for in RegTech: a strong technology component, deep vertical expertise and leadership in a highly regulated market. We will support the company in this significant new phase of growth, working alongside the team to create, including through buy-and-build strategies, a platform capable of accelerating the digital transformation of an entire industrial sector,” said Giuseppe Donvito, Partner, P101. From Food Compliance to Food Infrastructure The round also brings together investors with established interests in agrifood technology and regional innovation. Maia Ventures, a venture capital fund focused on agrifoodtech, and Farming Future – the National AgrifoodTech Technology Transfer Hub – participated in the round. Farming Future originated and supported the company’s first investment round in November 2024, promoted by CDP Venture Capital SGR in partnership with ToSeed & Partners. Toscana Next, the co-investment fund established and managed by CDP Venture Capital and backed by leading Tuscan banking foundations, also participated. Existing investors are therefore continuing to back the company as it moves into its next stage. The transaction further strengthens P101’s position in RegTech, which accounts for around 20 per cent of investments made through Programma 103. Its portfolio in the segment includes Aptus.AI and A-Cube, while its food-sector investments have included Cortilia, Soplaya and Tannico. The investment is P101’s 15th transaction through Programma 103, Azimut ELTIF Venture Capital P103 and Programma 103R Digital. Programma 103 is also supported by the European Union through the InvestEU Fund. Programma 103R Digital is supported by CDP Venture Capital through the Digital Transition Fund under Italy’s PNRR, using European Union resources under NextGenerationEU to accelerate digital transformation across supply chains and SMEs.   ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4626/cofco-international-to-acquire-two-sugar-mills-in-brazil.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4626/cofco-international-to-acquire-two-sugar-mills-in-brazil.html Tue, 08 Sep 2026 17:35:19 +0530 COFCO International is expanding its sugar manufacturing footprint in Brazil with an agreement to acquire the Rio Vermelho and Nova Unialco sugar mills from Bunge, adding two assets in one of the country’s key agricultural regions. The two mills, located in the Araçatuba region of São Paulo state, will strengthen COFCO International’s presence across Brazil’s sugar-producing belt and give the global agricultural trader greater industrial capacity alongside its existing operations in the country. The transaction reflects COFCO International’s strategy of building a more integrated sugar business in Brazil, where its operations connect agricultural production with processing and global markets. “This acquisition aligns with our long-term strategy to grow and strengthen our sugar business. It strengthens our industrial presence in Brazil and expands our capacity to operate in an integrated manner across key agricultural regions,” said Daniel Pagnani, Managing Director, Sugar Mills at COFCO International. “Combined with COFCO International’s existing platform, these assets create opportunities for greater operational efficiency, diversification and business resilience,” Pagnani added. COFCO International has operated in Brazil for more than a decade and has continued to invest in the country as it expands its role in moving agricultural commodities from production regions to international markets. The addition of the two sugar mills is expected to deepen that position while supporting the broader sugar economy in the region. For COFCO, the deal also adds scale to an operating model increasingly focused on integrating agricultural sourcing, processing and global trade. Greater control over processing assets can give commodity companies more flexibility in managing supply, production and market exposure, particularly in a major sugar-producing market such as Brazil. The Rio Vermelho and Nova Unialco mills entered Bunge’s portfolio following the completion of its business combination with Viterra in July 2025. Their subsequent acquisition by COFCO International will shift ownership of the assets while keeping them within the broader network of Brazil’s globally connected agricultural industry. The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. For COFCO International, the acquisition marks another step in building a larger and more resilient sugar platform in Brazil, reinforcing the country’s role in its global agricultural supply chain. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4625/nichino-europe-acquires-temap-emea-rights-and-expands-strategic-partnership-with-bi-pa-.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4625/nichino-europe-acquires-temap-emea-rights-and-expands-strategic-partnership-with-bi-pa-.html Tue, 08 Sep 2026 17:30:08 +0530 Nichino Europe has acquired all intellectual property rights for TEMAP from Belgian crop-protection innovator Bi-PA across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), deepening a longstanding partnership as the companies move to accelerate the availability of the bio-fungicide to growers across the region. The agreement gives Nichino Europe control of TEMAP intellectual property in the EMEA market while establishing a framework for continued cooperation with Bi-PA. For Nichino Europe, the transaction expands its crop-protection portfolio with a differentiated technology aimed at supporting plant health and more sustainable disease-management programmes. TEMAP, based on choline pelargonate, is a patented bio-fungicide developed by Bi-PA for broad-spectrum fungal disease control. Development work by the Belgian company has demonstrated preventive, eradicative and early curative activity against a wide range of fungal diseases. Bi-PA describes TEMAP as a contact fungicide that can also be used in programmes with other fungicides and in tank-mix combinations with systemic products. The technology works by disrupting fungal cell membranes, affecting both spores and mycelium and leading to cell lysis. According to Bi-PA, this prevents germination and stops the spread of pathogens while offering a low environmental impact and low risk of resistance occurrence. TEMAP also adds another option to integrated disease-management and resistance-management programmes. The recent classification of choline pelargonate in the FRAC BM 03 group further strengthens its positioning as a tool for growers seeking to manage resistance development. The product has demonstrated efficacy across several crops and diseases. Bi-PA says trials have shown particularly strong performance in rice, cereals, bananas, fruits and vegetables, including activity against sheath blight and blast in rice, Septoria tritici in wheat, black Sigatoka in banana and apple scab. The acquisition comes as Nichino Group seeks to expand the use of bioresources and develop new sources of revenue while strengthening the competitiveness of its crop-protection business. The company has increasingly focused on technologies that can complement conventional crop-protection chemistry and support more sustainable agricultural production. “We are excited to add TEMAP, a product we have successfully trialled for several years, to our portfolio which will expand our offering of differentiated and efficient technologies to support plant health,” said Manfred Hilweg, Managing Director of Nichino Europe. For Bi-PA, the agreement represents a route to scale an internally developed technology through Nichino Europe's regulatory, commercial and market capabilities. Bi-PA said TEMAP is among the most important innovations it has developed in recent years and reflects its focus on bringing novel and sustainable crop-protection solutions to growers. “TEMAP is one of the most important innovations developed by Bi-PA in recent years, reflecting our commitment to bringing novel and sustainable crop protection solutions to the market. We are delighted to partner with Nichino Europe, whose expertise, market presence, and long-term vision make them the ideal organization to unlock the full potential of TEMAP across the EMEA region. Together, we can accelerate the availability of this innovative fungicide and deliver tangible value to growers,” said Johan De Saegher, CEO of Bi-PA. The partnership builds on several years of collaboration between the two companies, with Nichino Europe having trialled TEMAP before taking ownership of its EMEA intellectual property rights. The companies will continue to work together as the product moves toward wider availability in the region. For growers, the strategic importance of TEMAP lies not only in its disease-control spectrum but also in its potential role within integrated crop-protection programmes. Bi-PA's development work positions the product as a complementary technology that can be used alongside other fungicides, giving growers another tool as resistance management becomes an increasingly important part of crop-protection strategies. Nichino Europe's acquisition therefore goes beyond adding another product to its catalogue. It gives the company ownership of a patented biological fungicide across a large and diverse agricultural market, while strengthening its relationship with a specialist developer of biological and alternative crop-protection technologies. As regulatory pressure, resistance concerns and demand for more sustainable crop-protection solutions reshape the European market, Nichino Europe and Bi-PA are betting that technologies combining efficacy with differentiated modes of action can play a larger role in the next generation of crop protection. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4613/viresco-group-launches-queensland-farmland-fund-with-acquisition-of-22000-hectare-queensland-beef-aggregation.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4613/viresco-group-launches-queensland-farmland-fund-with-acquisition-of-22000-hectare-queensland-beef-aggregation.html Mon, 07 Sep 2026 13:58:08 +0530 Viresco Group, a specialist agricultural investment and asset manager, today announced the launch of its Queensland Farmland Fund, a dedicated strategy for Queensland beef production spanning breeding, backgrounding and finishing. The Fund launches with a cornerstone commitment from an institutional investor, targeting an eventual fund size of A$500 million, and with capital already deployed: the acquisition of Kellys Creek and Pauralos Park, a 22,000 hectare contiguous beef aggregation in Central West Queensland. The world's population is projected to approach 9.7 billion by 2050, while the amount of productive agricultural land available per person continues to decline through urbanisation, water stress and land degradation. Australia sits apart from that trend. It is the world's second-largest beef exporter, backed by a stable political system, secure land title and enforceable property rights, positioning it to supply global protein demand as production constraints tighten elsewhere. Viresco treats farmland and food production more broadly, as a strategic asset class in the same way institutional capital treats energy. Not a passive commodity exposure, but an operating business core to long-term economic security. The Fund's approach centres on integrating the production chain from breeding through to finishing and adopting systems to increase productivity and operating margin. Natural capital revenues sit alongside the livestock platform as a secondary revenue stream, not the basis for the investment case. The launch follows Viresco's recent appointment of Peter Maher as Chair of the Group. Maher is an investment industry veteran who previously oversaw the initial launch of Macquarie’s farmland platform, Paraway. Viresco's senior team combines investment management and governance with hands-on experience operating large-scale agricultural assets across Australasia, Europe and Central Asia, under an operator-led model in which investment management and on-the-ground execution sit within a single team. Quote from Hadyn Craig, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Viresco Group: “The launch of the Queensland Farmland Fund, alongside the acquisition of Kellys Creek and Pauralos Park, demonstrates the Fund's ability to source, underwrite and execute against institutional-scale opportunities in Queensland beef production. Kellys Creek and Pauralos Park will be run in a way that lifts productivity while improving the condition of the land itself. Securing an aggregation of this quality as our first acquisition reflects the strength of our pipeline and the discipline behind how we deploy capital.” Quote from Griff Williams, Co-founder and Chief Investment Officer, Viresco Group: “The quality of soils, climate profile, extensive infrastructure and scale available in Queensland offer a significant opportunity for the Fund to build a meaningful presence across the beef production value chain and deliver risk-adjusted returns to our investors. Kellys Creek and Pauralos Park is the first step in that build, consistent with the disciplined underwriting approach we apply to every acquisition.” ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4612/nestl-to-sell-mainstream-vitamins-business-to-yellow-wood-partners-for-1-bn.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4612/nestl-to-sell-mainstream-vitamins-business-to-yellow-wood-partners-for-1-bn.html Mon, 07 Sep 2026 13:51:06 +0530 Nestlé is selling its mainstream Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements (VMS) business to private equity firm Yellow Wood Partners for USD 1.0 billion (CHF 0.8 billion), in another move by the food and consumer health giant to sharpen its portfolio around businesses where it sees stronger competitive advantages. The transaction, which remains subject to applicable regulatory approvals, is expected to close in the first half of 2027. The deal covers Nestlé's so-called Holistic Health portfolio, comprising seven established brands — Nature's Bounty, Osteo Bi-Flex, Ester-C, Gard, Nuun, Puritan's Pride and Sisu — as well as the company's US private-label supplements business. The transaction also includes dedicated manufacturing, packaging, warehousing and distribution operations supporting the business. In 2025, the portfolio generated USD 1.2 billion (CHF 1.0 billion) in sales, meaning the agreed transaction value represents roughly 0.8 times the business's annual revenue. The business is predominantly focused on the United States, with operations and sales also spanning several international markets, including Canada and China. Nestlé draws a sharper line between mainstream and premium healthFor Nestlé, the divestment is less about abandoning the VMS category than about deciding where the company wants to compete within it. “This is another important step in the strategic transformation of our portfolio,” said Philipp Navratil, CEO of Nestlé. “We are focusing our resources where we have the strongest competitive advantage.” Navratil said Nestlé intends to concentrate on the premium, science-led segment of VMS, where brands such as Solgar and Pure Encapsulations continue to perform strongly. The distinction reflects a broader shift in the consumer health market, where products increasingly compete not simply on availability and brand recognition, but on perceived scientific credibility, specialised formulations and premium positioning. “At the same time, the category has evolved, and the mainstream VMS business requires a different approach under dedicated ownership,” Navratil said. The transaction therefore gives Nestlé a more focused position in VMS while transferring a large mainstream portfolio to an owner whose strategy can be more directly aligned with the needs of the business. A sizeable consumer health portfolio changes hands The assets being acquired by Yellow Wood represent a substantial consumer health platform rather than a collection of individual brands. Nature's Bounty is among the best-known names in the portfolio, alongside brands spanning bone and joint health, vitamin supplementation, wellness and hydration. The transaction also includes Nuun, which has a strong position in hydration products, and Puritan's Pride, together with the US private-label supplements operation. By including manufacturing, packaging, warehousing and distribution infrastructure, the deal gives Yellow Wood control over much of the operating platform behind the portfolio. That could allow the new owner to pursue a more integrated approach to brand development, manufacturing efficiency and distribution once the transaction closes. US market remains central to the business The portfolio's centre of gravity is the United States, one of the world's most developed markets for dietary supplements. Its presence in Canada, China and other markets gives the business an international footprint, but the transaction is fundamentally anchored in the US consumer health market. The transfer also comes as consumer interest in vitamins, minerals and supplements continues to evolve toward more specialised products and differentiated health propositions. Nestlé's decision suggests that the company sees greater value in concentrating its capital and innovation capabilities on premium categories rather than maintaining the same breadth across mainstream and premium VMS. Nestlé continues to build around premium health The divestment leaves Nestlé with a narrower but more strategically defined position in the VMS sector. Its remaining portfolio includes Solgar and Pure Encapsulations, brands that Navratil highlighted as continuing to perform strongly. Rather than treating VMS as a single market, Nestlé is effectively separating the category into segments with different competitive dynamics. The company is betting that its strengths in innovation and brand building will be most valuable in premium, science-led products, where consumers may be more willing to pay for specialised formulations and stronger product credentials. That strategy also fits with Nestlé's wider effort to reshape its portfolio around businesses capable of delivering stronger long-term growth and where its global scale can provide a meaningful competitive advantage. Yellow Wood gains a platform with scale For Yellow Wood Partners, the transaction provides access to a sizeable portfolio of established consumer health brands, a US private-label business and an integrated operating infrastructure. The $ 1.0 billion purchase price compares with $ 1.2 billion in 2025 sales, providing Yellow Wood with a business that already has considerable revenue scale and market presence. The challenge will be turning that scale into sustainable growth while managing a portfolio that spans multiple consumer health categories and brands. The deal's expected closing in the first half of 2027 also leaves a transition period for regulatory approvals and preparations for the business to operate under its new ownership. Portfolio transformation takes another step Nestlé, the transaction is ultimately a capital-allocation decision. The company is giving up a business that generated $ 1.2 billion in annual sales in favour of a more concentrated strategy built around premium VMS brands and science-led consumer health. That makes the deal significant beyond the seven brands changing hands. It illustrates how large consumer companies are increasingly separating broad category participation from areas where they believe they can build differentiated, defensible positions. Nestlé's message is clear: it does not intend to leave vitamins, minerals and supplements. Instead, it is narrowing its exposure to the part of the market where it believes its innovation and brand-building capabilities can create the greatest value. The transaction with Yellow Wood Partners is expected to close in the first half of 2027, subject to regulatory approvals. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4595/wild-bio-acquires-f1-seed-to-build-uk-wheat-business.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4595/wild-bio-acquires-f1-seed-to-build-uk-wheat-business.html Wed, 02 Sep 2026 16:59:31 +0530 Wild Bioscience, the University of Oxford spinout focused on crop improvement, has acquired independent wheat breeder F1 Seed Ltd, bringing together an AI-driven biotechnology platform and an established UK wheat breeding pipeline. The deal turns Wild Bio into a fully integrated seed company, covering trait discovery, genetic improvement, breeding and delivery of new varieties to farmers. F1 Seed, led by veteran wheat breeder Bill Angus, contributes more than a decade of germplasm development and breeding expertise, while Wild Bio brings evolutionary biology, gene editing and machine-learning tools designed to identify useful plant traits. The combination is aimed at one of the most persistent problems facing British arable farming: wheat yields have shown little improvement for roughly three decades. At the same time, higher input costs and increasingly volatile weather are putting additional pressure on farm economics. Wild Bio points to two consecutive dry and hot springs in England in 2025 and 2026, with 2025 recorded as the driest spring in more than a century and 2026 the warmest on record. The company says the impact is already visible in farm performance. UK wheat yields in 2025 were about 13% below the 10-year average, while climate modelling indicates that parts of England's wheat-growing regions could lose 10% to 25% of their productive potential over the next two decades. With around one-third of UK farms currently loss-making and considering whether to leave the industry, improving crop performance has become an increasingly important commercial issue. Wild Bio's technology is designed to search plant biology for solutions that evolution has already produced under difficult growing conditions, including drought, heat and flooding. The company uses biological datasets and AI and machine-learning tools to identify genetic patterns associated with desirable traits, which can then be targeted through precision breeding. The acquisition gives Wild Bio the breeding infrastructure needed to turn those discoveries into commercial wheat varieties. By bringing precision breeding and conventional breeding capabilities under one business, the company expects to move more quickly on traits linked to yield, yield stability and disease resistance while tailoring varieties to UK growing conditions. The move also has implications for Britain's domestic seed industry. Wheat is the UK's largest arable crop and typically contributes around £3 billion to the economy, but its genetics and seed markets have historically been heavily influenced by subsidiaries of international agricultural companies. Wild Bio's strategy is to develop traits and varieties within the UK and for British growers, giving the company a more direct role in a crop that is central to domestic food supply. Regulatory changes in England are also creating a route for precision-bred crops. The Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Regulations came into force in November 2025, establishing a framework for targeted genetic changes that could potentially have been achieved through conventional breeding. Wild Bio sees the framework as an opportunity to bring its AI-led discovery and precision-breeding capabilities into commercial agriculture. Ross Hendron, Co-Founder and CEO of Wild Bio, said the integration with F1 Seed gives the company the capabilities required to develop wheat varieties around the traits growers need, rather than treating trait discovery and breeding as separate activities. Bill Angus, Founder and Director of F1 Seed, brings two decades of experience running major UK wheat breeding programmes at Nickerson and Limagrain. He said the combination of new traits with established UK germplasm could accelerate the next phase of wheat breeding. The acquisition also marks a strategic shift for Wild Bio beyond technology development and licensing. Stuart Harrison, Chief Business Officer at Wild Bio and a former Syngenta executive, said the deal transforms the company into a full seed business while retaining the speed and flexibility of a startup. For Wild Bio, the immediate opportunity is to apply its technology to a market where stagnant productivity, climate pressure and thin farm margins have created a clear demand for better-performing varieties. The company now has both the genetic discovery platform and breeding pipeline to pursue that opportunity directly. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4593/de-sangosse-group-strengthens-its-international-presence-through-the-acquisition-of-norac-concepts-inc-and-establishes-operations-in-canadian-market.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4593/de-sangosse-group-strengthens-its-international-presence-through-the-acquisition-of-norac-concepts-inc-and-establishes-operations-in-canadian-market.html Wed, 02 Sep 2026 16:34:26 +0530 This strategic transaction marks a new milestone in the Group’s international development. It aims to strengthen DSG’s position in the adjuvant market while creating a major growth platform for the deployment of its full portfolio of biosolutions and innovative technologies across the Canadian agricultural market. Norac Concepts Inc joins the DSG ecosystem as an operating company, therefore maintaining usual business operations with key historical customers, suppliers and stakeholders. An Acquisition Supporting a Sustainable Growth Ambition Thanks to its proven expertise in adjuvants and spray assist productsregistrations, extensive distribution network, and strong market presence, Norac Concepts Inc. represents an ideal platform for advancing DE SANGOSSE Group’s long-term growth strategy. The integration of Norac Concepts Inc. will significantly strengthen the Group’s global footprint in the adjuvants market, a strategic segment that plays a critical role in maximizing the performance of crop protection and plant nutrition solutions. This acquisition will also provide a valuable gateway for the progressive introduction of DE SANGOSSE Group’s innovative portfolio of biocontrol, biostimulant, and plant nutrition technologies to the Canadian market, further supporting the Group’s ambition to deliver sustainable and high-value solutions to growers. “The acquisition of Norac Concepts Inc. is fully aligned with our international growth strategy. Beyond strengthening our position in the adjuvant market, this transaction provides a solid foundation to accelerate the deployment of our biosolutions in Canada and support growers in their transition toward increasingly efficient and sustainable agricultural practices,” said Nicolas Fillon, CEO of DE SANGOSSE Group.  “Joining DE SANGOSSE GROUP represents a tremendous opportunity for Norac Concepts Inc. Our expertise in adjuvants and spray assist products, combined with DSG’s innovation capabilities, will enable us to expand our offering and deliver even greater value to customers across Canada,” added Bob Chyc, General Manager of Norac Concepts Inc. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4560/cropx-acquires-scio-to-build-self-improving-intelligence-platform-from-soil-to-harvest.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4560/cropx-acquires-scio-to-build-self-improving-intelligence-platform-from-soil-to-harvest.html Fri, 28 Aug 2026 17:02:48 +0530 CropX Technologies, a global leader in digital agronomy solutions, announced today the acquisition of SCIO, a global leader in portable near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for agriculture and the food industry. Together, the companies connect intelligence across the agricultural lifecycle from soil and crop development to harvest, quality analysis and post-harvest operations. SCIO adds laboratory-grade measurement of crop quality and composition, connecting CropX’s agronomic recommendations with real-world outcomes. This creates a continuous feedback loop where measured outcomes can strengthen future insights and recommendations laying the foundation for a self-improving agronomic intelligence platform. SCIO brings to CropX a strong portfolio of enterprise customers, expanding CropX’s reach across the global agricultural value chain. SCIO also brings one of the industry’s most differentiated sensing technologies, protected by 44 granted patents. Beyond its technology, SCIO adds a rapidly growing SaaS business with a clear path to profitability. Combined with meaningful commercial synergies and cross-selling opportunities, the acquisition strengthens CropX strategically, commercially and financially. The company has raised $64M since its inception. “The future of agronomy isn’t just about making recommendations. It’s learning from outcomes,” said Tomer Tzach, CEO of CropX. “SCIO gives us the missing piece. By connecting agronomic recommendations with harvest and quality outcomes, we’re laying the foundation for a new generation of agronomic intelligence and accelerating our vision of building agriculture’s most comprehensive intelligence platform.” “Joining CropX gives SCIO the opportunity to bring our technology to a much broader global market,” said Avi Rosenbaum, Head of Sales at SCIO. “CropX’s global reach, strong customer relationships and established presence across agriculture can accelerate adoption of our technology and open significant new opportunities worldwide.” Headquartered in the United States, SCIO shares the same innovation-driven DNA as CropX. Together, the companies are shaping the next generation of agronomic intelligence. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4544/northlights-first-winery-deal-targets-canadas-succession-opportunity.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4544/northlights-first-winery-deal-targets-canadas-succession-opportunity.html Wed, 26 Aug 2026 13:37:09 +0530 Northlight Wine Collective has acquired Meyer Family Vineyards and Mayhem Wines, marking the first winery acquisition for the investment platform as it builds a long-term portfolio of premium Canadian wine businesses. The transaction brings together two established British Columbia wine brands under Northlight, a company founded in 2024 to acquire, invest in and grow premium wineries navigating succession and generational transition. The deal includes the operating companies behind both brands, including their winery operations, vineyards, brands and related business assets. Meyer Family Vineyards, founded in 2006 by Jak Meyer and Janice Stevens-Meyer, has built its reputation around small-lot Chardonnay and Pinot Noir produced with a Burgundian philosophy using estate vineyards and selected sites across British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley. The winery was named a Top 2 Winery at the 2024 National Wine Awards of Canada. The Meyer family expanded its wine portfolio in 2018 with the launch of Mayhem Wines, developed in partnership with Terry Meyer Stone and Andrew Stone. The brand offers a broader range of varieties and styles sourced from vineyard sites across the region. For Northlight, the acquisition is as much about a broader industry opportunity as it is about adding two brands to its portfolio. Founder- and family-led wineries across Canada are increasingly confronting succession planning while navigating changing market conditions, creating an opening for long-term investors capable of providing capital and strategic support without fundamentally altering the identity of established businesses. “Meyer Family Vineyards and Mayhem Wines have earned the trust of customers through exceptional wines, disciplined craftsmanship and a clear sense of identity,” said José R. Salgado, Founder and CEO of Northlight Wine Collective. “Jak and Janice, together with Terry and Andrew, have built two remarkable businesses, and we are honored to continue their legacy while investing in the next chapter of growth.” The acquisition reflects Northlight’s strategy of positioning itself as a succession partner for premium wineries with established brands, loyal customer relationships and long-term growth potential. The company intends to preserve the heritage and market identity of the businesses it acquires while providing investment and operational support for their next phase. For the Meyer and Stone families, finding the right long-term owner was central to the decision. “From the beginning, our goal was to build wineries that reflected this remarkable region and the people who make it so special,” said Jak Meyer, Co-Founder of Meyer Family Vineyards and Mayhem Wines. “As we looked toward succession, we wanted to find an owner who respected what we had built and shared our long-term vision. We believe Northlight is the right partner to carry these wineries forward while preserving the character that has always defined them.” The existing winery team, including winemaker Chris Carson, will continue in their current roles, while Jak and Janice will remain involved during a planned transition period. The deal also signals the emergence of a more structured investment model for Canada’s premium wine sector. Northlight was created specifically to pursue opportunities among established wineries whose founders are considering succession but may be seeking an alternative to a conventional sale that could result in a change in brand identity or operating philosophy. “Meyer Family Vineyards and Mayhem Wines set the standard for the kind of wineries Northlight was created to acquire,” Salgado said. “They have set a high bar through remarkable wines, enduring brands and decades of uncompromising quality.” With its first acquisition completed, Northlight is positioning itself to pursue further partnerships with founder-built Canadian wineries that combine distinctive brands, strong customer relationships and proven growth potential. The acquisition of Meyer Family Vineyards and Mayhem Wines gives the young investment platform an established foundation in British Columbia’s premium wine industry—and a starting point for a broader strategy built around one of the sector’s defining challenges: who will take the next generation of founder-built wineries forward. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4488/advanta-acquires-hytech-egypt-in-110-mn-push-into-mena-seed-market.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4488/advanta-acquires-hytech-egypt-in-110-mn-push-into-mena-seed-market.html Tue, 18 Aug 2026 20:18:52 +0530 UPL Limited is expanding its seeds business in the Middle East and Africa through a proposed $110 million acquisition of Egyptian seed company Hytech Egypt. The transaction will be undertaken by UPL’s step-down subsidiary, Advanta Holdings B.V. (Advanta BV), which has agreed to acquire Hytech Egypt’s holding company, Hytech Egypt USA LLC. The deal is expected to give Advanta a stronger foothold in one of the world’s fastest-growing agricultural seed markets, particularly in white and yellow corn. Upon completion, Advanta BV is expected to own approximately 99.98 per cent of Misr Hytech Seed International S.A.E., known as Hytech Egypt. A strategic move into MENA corn seeds The acquisition gives Advanta an established platform from which to expand its presence across the Middle East and Africa, where demand for improved corn genetics is increasing alongside efforts to strengthen agricultural productivity and food security. White and yellow corn represent important segments of the regional seed market. By adding Hytech Egypt’s business and capabilities to its existing portfolio, Advanta is positioned to broaden its geographic reach and strengthen its competitive position in corn genetics. The deal also provides an entry point into Egypt, a strategically important agricultural market linking African and Middle Eastern production systems. Hytech brings an established operating platform Founded in 1993, Hytech Egypt has been operating in the agricultural seeds sector for more than three decades. The company recorded revenue of approximately $34.9 million in fiscal 2023, followed by $37.6 million in fiscal 2024. Revenue declined to approximately $25.7 million in fiscal 2025. Despite the recent decline, the acquisition provides Advanta with an established business, market presence and operating infrastructure in a strategically important seed-producing and consuming region. Advanta deepens global seed ambitions For UPL, the transaction fits into its broader strategy of strengthening its Seeds and Post Harvest business and expanding the role of Advanta as a global agricultural technology platform. Advanta operates across multiple seed markets and crop categories, with corn remaining an important area of growth. The Hytech acquisition adds scale to its regional operations while providing access to established genetics and commercial networks in Egypt and surrounding markets. The transaction is also consistent with the wider consolidation taking place in the global seed industry, where companies are increasingly seeking local breeding capabilities, market access and differentiated germplasm to compete in high-growth agricultural markets. Regulatory approvals remain The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory clearances. Approvals are expected from the COMESA Competition and Consumer Commission and the Egyptian Competition Authority. Completion is currently anticipated on or before January 31, 2027, subject to satisfaction of the applicable conditions. UPL said the transaction does not constitute a related-party transaction. UPL effectively holds a 78.21 per cent interest in its Seeds and Post Harvest segment platform, Advanta. Strengthening its corn position The proposed acquisition underscores the growing strategic importance of seed genetics in agricultural markets where farmers are seeking higher productivity, improved adaptability and greater resilience. For Advanta, acquiring Hytech Egypt provides more than an additional regional business. It creates a larger platform in a strategically positioned market and strengthens its ability to participate in the expanding white and yellow corn seed opportunity across the Middle East and Africa. If completed as planned, the $110 million transaction will mark another significant step in Advanta’s international expansion and reinforce UPL’s push to build a broader, more integrated agricultural seeds business. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4443/novonesis-to-acquire-microbiogen-deepening-its-bet-on-yeast-innovation-and-bioethanol.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4443/novonesis-to-acquire-microbiogen-deepening-its-bet-on-yeast-innovation-and-bioethanol.html Mon, 10 Aug 2026 17:27:40 +0530 Novonesis is set to acquire Australian biotechnology company MicroBioGen, moving to take full ownership of a business it has worked with for more than a decade and strengthening its position in yeast technology for industrial applications, particularly bioethanol. The agreement builds on Novonesis’ 2013 investment in MicroBioGen and its existing 23 per cent stake in the company. The transaction gives Novonesis an opportunity to bring MicroBioGen’s yeast genetics, scientific expertise and technology platform fully into its own biosolutions portfolio as demand grows for biological technologies that can improve the efficiency and sustainability of industrial production. For Novonesis, the deal is as much about expanding its technology base as it is about ownership. Yeast sits at the centre of several industrial fermentation processes, and advances in strain development can influence productivity, process efficiency and the economics of bio-based manufacturing. Ester Baiget, CEO of Novonesis, said: “This acquisition marks an additional step in our 2030 strategy. It strengthens our yeast capabilities, strengthens our R&D capabilities, and reflects our disciplined investment focus to drive growth.” The acquisition comes as Novonesis continues to position biology as a growth platform across industries where fermentation and enzyme technologies can replace or improve conventional production processes. The company invests approximately 10 per cent of annual sales in innovation and has built its strategy around applying microbiology and industrial fermentation expertise to challenges spanning food, agriculture, energy and other bio-based industries. MicroBioGen adds a specialised yeast technology platform developed over more than 20 years. The Australian company has built a library of elite yeast genetics designed to improve the industrial performance of yeast strains and has developed a business model around what it calls “Yeast Innovation as a Service.” The companies already have a significant track record of collaboration. Their work in bioethanol has included the co-development of the Innova yeast series, designed to deliver improved industrial performance in ethanol production. Full ownership could allow Novonesis to integrate MicroBioGen’s technology more closely with its broader R&D capabilities and accelerate the development of new biological solutions. Claus Crone Fuglsang, Chief Scientific Officer at Novonesis, said: “We see MicroBioGen as a perfect match building on more than a decade of close collaboration, and we look forward to integrating their technology into Novonesis. With the acquisition, we will continue to strengthen our capabilities and develop the biosolutions our customers need.”The strategic rationale extends beyond bioethanol. MicroBioGen’s yeast platform has potential applications across baking, sustainable feed, energy and food, giving Novonesis additional opportunities to apply advanced yeast genetics across existing and emerging markets. That broader application base is significant as industries look for biological alternatives that can improve resource efficiency and reduce the environmental footprint of production. For Novonesis, integrating MicroBioGen could therefore strengthen both its scientific capabilities and its ability to commercialise yeast-based solutions across multiple sectors. MicroBioGen has developed its technology through more than two decades of research into industrial yeast and has worked with industry leaders globally. Its collaboration with Novonesis represents one of the clearest examples of how its genetics platform can be translated into commercial industrial applications. Geoffrey Bell, CEO and Co-founder of MicroBioGen, said: “Joining Novonesis is a strong fit for MicroBioGen and its employees. After more than a decade of close collaboration, we could not think of a better home for the company.” The transaction also reflects a continuation of a relationship that began with Novonesis’ investment in MicroBioGen in 2013. Rather than entering an unfamiliar technology area, Novonesis is moving to consolidate an existing partnership and bring a proven scientific capability further inside the organisation. Novonesis said it will continue to support MicroBioGen’s existing partners and maintain continuity across its collaborations during the transition. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Completion remains subject to customary regulatory approvals, including clearance from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). With the acquisition, Novonesis is strengthening one of the core biological technologies behind industrial fermentation while expanding the potential applications of its yeast platform. The move underscores the company’s broader strategy of investing selectively in scientific capabilities that can support growth in bio-based industries and create new solutions for customers seeking greater efficiency and sustainability. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4438/sumitomo-chemical-deepens-presence-in-natural-crop-protection-with-pyragro-acquisition.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4438/sumitomo-chemical-deepens-presence-in-natural-crop-protection-with-pyragro-acquisition.html Fri, 07 Aug 2026 15:48:55 +0530 Sumitomo Chemical has expanded its sustainable crop protection portfolio with the acquisition of Pyragro S.r.l., the plant protection subsidiary of Italian company COPYR S.p.A., strengthening its position in the fast-growing market for biorational and naturally derived agricultural inputs across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). The transaction, completed on August 3, 2026, saw Sumitomo Chemical Italia S.r.l., the company's Italian subsidiary, acquire 100 per cent ownership of Pyragro, adding an established portfolio of natural pyrethrin-based crop protection products and a broad portfolio of product registrations spanning Italy and multiple EMEA markets. The acquisition reflects increasing global demand for biological and naturally sourced crop protection solutions as regulators tighten restrictions on conventional chemistries and growers seek more sustainable pest management tools. Pyragro specializes in insecticides derived from natural pyrethrum, a botanical active ingredient recognized for its effectiveness against a broad spectrum of insect pests while supporting integrated pest management (IPM) programs. The company also brings valuable regulatory dossiers and product registrations that will strengthen Sumitomo Chemical's commercial platform across the region. For Sumitomo Chemical, the acquisition represents a strategic addition to its expanding biorational crop protection business, complementing its existing portfolio of naturally occurring pest control technologies, including Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)-based products. "This transaction will support Sumitomo Chemical group's continued expansion in EMEA's biorational business while further enhancing its crop protection portfolio, particularly in naturally occurring insecticide products," said Tadashi Katayama, Managing Executive Officer of Sumitomo Chemical. The deal also reflects the Japanese company's broader strategy of expanding its sustainable agriculture portfolio through targeted acquisitions that combine innovative technologies with established regulatory assets and market access. For COPYR and its parent company Zelnova Zeltia, the divestment marks a strategic realignment that allows the group to concentrate resources on its core Home Care, Personal Care and Professional businesses while placing its agricultural operations under an owner focused exclusively on crop protection. "The divestment of Pyragro is consistent with our strategy of concentrating the Zelnova-COPYR group's resources and investment on its core businesses," said Pedro González Blanco, Chief Executive Officer of COPYR. "Sumitomo Chemical is the right long-term owner for Pyragro given its crop protection expertise, international presence and commitment to sustainable agriculture." Industry analysts view the transaction as part of a broader wave of consolidation in the global crop protection industry, where companies are increasingly investing in biologicals, botanical pesticides and other lower-impact technologies to address evolving regulatory requirements and changing grower preferences. By integrating Pyragro's regulatory portfolio, commercial capabilities and expertise in natural pyrethrin formulations, Sumitomo Chemical is positioning itself to capture growing demand for sustainable pest management solutions while reinforcing its long-term growth strategy in one of the world's most important agricultural markets. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4402/china-resources-double-crane-to-acquire-controlling-stake-in-lier-chemical-in-rmb-5-66-bn-deal.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4402/china-resources-double-crane-to-acquire-controlling-stake-in-lier-chemical-in-rmb-5-66-bn-deal.html Mon, 03 Aug 2026 14:11:58 +0530 China's agrochemical sector is poised for a significant ownership reshuffle after China Resources Double-Crane Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. agreed to acquire a controlling stake in Lier Chemical Co., Ltd. in a transaction valued at approximately RMB 5.656 billion ($790 million). Under a conditional share transfer agreement signed on July 29, China Resources Double-Crane will purchase 188.1 million shares, representing a 23.5 per cent stake in Lier Chemical, from the company's current controlling shareholder and its concert party at RMB 30.07 per share. Following completion, the sellers will retain an 8.7 per cent stake, while ultimate control of Lier Chemical will transfer from the China Academy of Engineering Physics to China Resources Co., Ltd., one of China's largest centrally owned state enterprises. The acquisition marks a strategic diversification move rather than a conventional consolidation within the agrochemical industry. While Lier Chemical is one of China's largest manufacturers of glufosinate and L-glufosinate technicals and a major producer of chloropyridine herbicides, the buyer is primarily a pharmaceutical company seeking to strengthen its presence in agricultural biologicals. According to the company's announcement, China Resources Double-Crane possesses technologies spanning synthetic biology-based insecticides, fungicides and biostimulants, but lacks the manufacturing infrastructure, regulatory registrations and commercial network needed to industrialize those innovations. Acquiring Lier Chemical is expected to provide immediate access to established production facilities, product registrations and distribution capabilities. The transaction comes after a competitive public solicitation process launched in May 2026, during which 10 qualified bidders expressed interest. The agreed acquisition price of RMB 30.07 per share represents a 138 per cent premium over the minimum bid price of RMB 12.62 established during the auction. The valuation places Lier Chemical's equity at approximately RMB 24.07 billion, nearly double its market capitalization of around RMB 12.9 billion following the company's daily price-limit rally on July 30. Based on the company's reported 2025 net profit of RMB 581 million, the deal values the business at roughly 41 times annual earnings, reflecting strong strategic value attached to its manufacturing assets and crop protection portfolio. Despite the change in ownership, China Resources Double-Crane has pledged operational continuity during the initial transition period. Under the agreement, the company will not inject additional assets into Lier Chemical for 36 months, nor dispose of the acquired shares for 60 months. It has also stated that there are no definitive plans to alter Lier's core business within the first 12 months following completion. However, the new controlling shareholder reserves the right to restructure the company's governance, with plans to reconstitute Lier Chemical's board of directors and senior management within 30 working days after the transaction closes. The acquisition remains subject to multiple regulatory approvals, including state-owned asset supervision clearance, antitrust review, Shenzhen Stock Exchange confirmation and shareholder approval. Under the agreement, the transaction will lapse if all closing conditions are not satisfied within 120 days of signing unless both parties agree to extend the deadline. For China's agrochemical industry, the transaction reflects a growing convergence between pharmaceutical innovation, synthetic biology and crop protection manufacturing, as companies increasingly pursue cross-sector acquisitions to accelerate commercialization and expand technological capabilities. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4400/shandong-energy-backed-investor-exits-luba-shares-through-equity-transfer-after-ipo-milestone-miss.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4400/shandong-energy-backed-investor-exits-luba-shares-through-equity-transfer-after-ipo-milestone-miss.html Mon, 03 Aug 2026 13:21:55 +0530 A state-backed venture capital investor is moving to exit its investment in Chinese agrochemical manufacturer Shandong Luba Chemical Co., Ltd. (Luba Shares) after the company failed to meet key IPO-related milestones outlined in an earlier investment agreement. According to an announcement issued by the Shandong Property Rights Exchange Center on July 27, Shandong Rongyu Jingu Venture Capital Co., Ltd. has put its entire holding of 630,000 shares in Luba Shares up for transfer at a reserve price of 6.041 million yuan, equivalent to 9.59 yuan per share. The listing will remain open until August 21, 2026. The transaction represents more than a routine portfolio reshuffle. It provides Rongyu Jingu with an exit route after contractual valuation adjustment and equity repurchase provisions tied to Luba Shares' listing plans were activated. Under a supplementary agreement signed on May 16, 2025, between Rongyu Jingu and the company's actual controller, Zhao Yan, the investor secured protection in the event that Luba Shares failed to advance its domestic listing. The agreement stipulated that if the company did not submit qualified IPO application documents to the Shanghai, Shenzhen or Beijing stock exchanges before June 30, 2026, or complete a domestic IPO before December 31, 2027, Rongyu Jingu would have the right to require the controlling shareholder to repurchase its equity at an agreed minimum price. Luba Shares completed its listing on China's National Equities Exchange and Quotations (NEEQ) in 2025. However, as of the announcement date, the company had not submitted an IPO application before the June 30, 2026 deadline, meaning the contractual repurchase conditions had already been satisfied. Instead of immediately exercising the repurchase option, Rongyu Jingu has chosen to publicly transfer its equity stake through the provincial property rights exchange, offering potential investors an opportunity to acquire the shares. The valuation work for the transaction was completed on July 22, after which the transfer entered the formal listing process. Subsequent procedures will include investor solicitation, contract execution and equity delivery in accordance with exchange regulations. Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Jinan, Shandong Province, Luba Shares is a pesticide manufacturer engaged in the production, formulation and sale of crop protection chemicals. Its portfolio includes technical-grade products such as paraquat, diquat, haloxyfop-R-methyl, fluoxypyr and cyhalofop-butyl, alongside bio-pesticide research, specialty chemicals and international trade. Rongyu Jingu, established in 2014 with a registered capital of 100 million yuan, operates as a venture capital platform under Shandong Energy Group. The state-owned investment firm focuses on hard technology and industrial investments, making the proposed share transfer another example of China's state-backed funds seeking structured exits from portfolio companies as capital recycling becomes increasingly important. The transaction will be closely watched within China's agrochemical sector, where companies listed on the NEEQ continue to pursue IPO pathways while investors seek liquidity through contractual exit mechanisms and public equity transfers. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4397/meiji-exits-china-dairy-business-as-austasia-acquires-drinking-milk-yogurt-and-b2b-operations.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4397/meiji-exits-china-dairy-business-as-austasia-acquires-drinking-milk-yogurt-and-b2b-operations.html Fri, 31 Jul 2026 16:29:09 +0530 Japanese food and dairy major Meiji Co., Ltd. has agreed to transfer its China dairy business to Shanghai AustAsia Food Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of AustAsia Group Ltd., marking a significant restructuring of its operations in one of Asia's largest dairy markets. The divestment covers Meiji's drinking milk, yogurt and business-to-business (B2B) dairy operations, reflecting the company's decision to redirect resources toward businesses offering stronger long-term growth and profitability. The transaction includes the transfer of equity interests in Meiji's operating entities in China, including its manufacturing facilities in Tianjin and Suzhou. AustAsia confirmed that the acquisition will be completed at a base consideration of RMB 320 million (approximately $ 47.01 million), with post-closing adjustments that could raise the total transaction value to RMB 350 million (approximately $ 51.42 million). The acquisition strengthens AustAsia's downstream dairy processing capabilities while expanding its footprint in China's competitive fresh dairy segment. The decision follows several years of financial underperformance for Meiji's China dairy operations. Meiji (China) Investment Co., Ltd. generated RMB 1.28 billion ($ 188.64 million) in sales during 2025, but losses continued to widen sharply. The company's operating loss reached RMB 1.04 billion ($ 152.79 million), compared with RMB 643 million ($ 94.47 million) in 2023 and RMB 487 million ($ 71.55 million) in 2024, underscoring the mounting pressure on profitability despite maintaining a sizeable revenue base. Performance at the manufacturing level also reflected the difficult operating environment. Meiji's Tianjin facility recorded net sales of RMB 131 million ($ 19.25 million) while reporting an operating loss of RMB 50 million ($ 7.35 million). The Suzhou production base experienced an even steeper deterioration, with sales declining to RMB 259 million ($ 38.05 million) and posting an operating loss of RMB 101 million ($ 14.84 million) after having remained profitable in the previous year. The weakening financial performance at both facilities highlighted the structural challenges facing the company's China dairy business. Meiji attributed its decision to fundamental changes reshaping China's dairy industry. The company cited shifting consumer preferences, evolving retail and distribution channels, increasingly intense market competition, and persistently high raw material and logistics costs as key factors eroding profitability. Against this backdrop, Meiji has chosen to concentrate capital and management resources on businesses where it sees stronger competitive advantages, particularly its global chocolate and confectionery operations. Although Meiji is exiting direct dairy operations in China, it will continue to oversee trademark licensing for the transferred business to safeguard product quality and maintain brand standards. This arrangement allows the company to preserve the value of the Meiji brand in the Chinese market while reducing its operational exposure. The transaction represents another example of multinational food companies reassessing their presence in China's increasingly competitive consumer market. For AustAsia, the acquisition provides an opportunity to expand its dairy processing portfolio and strengthen downstream integration, while for Meiji it marks a strategic shift toward a more focused business model centred on higher-margin product categories. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4396/austasia-strengthens-china-dairy-footprint-with-acquisition-of-meijis-local-business.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4396/austasia-strengthens-china-dairy-footprint-with-acquisition-of-meijis-local-business.html Fri, 31 Jul 2026 16:09:57 +0530 The transaction includes the transfer of equity interests in Meiji's operating entities in China, including its manufacturing facilities in Tianjin and Suzhou. AustAsia confirmed that the acquisition will be completed at a base consideration of RMB 320 million (approximately $ 47.01 million), with post-closing adjustments that could raise the total transaction value to RMB 350 million (approximately $ 51.42 million). The acquisition strengthens AustAsia's downstream dairy processing capabilities while expanding its footprint in China's competitive fresh dairy segment. The decision follows several years of financial underperformance for Meiji's China dairy operations. Meiji (China) Investment Co., Ltd. generated RMB 1.28 billion ($ 188.64 million) in sales during 2025, but losses continued to widen sharply. The company's operating loss reached RMB 1.04 billion ($ 152.79 million), compared with RMB 643 million ($ 94.47 million) in 2023 and RMB 487 million ($ 71.55 million) in 2024, underscoring the mounting pressure on profitability despite maintaining a sizeable revenue base. Performance at the manufacturing level also reflected the difficult operating environment. Meiji's Tianjin facility recorded net sales of RMB 131 million ($ 19.25 million) while reporting an operating loss of RMB 50 million ($ 7.35 million). The Suzhou production base experienced an even steeper deterioration, with sales declining to RMB 259 million ($ 38.05 million) and posting an operating loss of RMB 101 million ($ 14.84 million) after having remained profitable in the previous year. The weakening financial performance at both facilities highlighted the structural challenges facing the company's China dairy business. Meiji attributed its decision to fundamental changes reshaping China's dairy industry. The company cited shifting consumer preferences, evolving retail and distribution channels, increasingly intense market competition, and persistently high raw material and logistics costs as key factors eroding profitability. Against this backdrop, Meiji has chosen to concentrate capital and management resources on businesses where it sees stronger competitive advantages, particularly its global chocolate and confectionery operations. Although Meiji is exiting direct dairy operations in China, it will continue to oversee trademark licensing for the transferred business to safeguard product quality and maintain brand standards. This arrangement allows the company to preserve the value of the Meiji brand in the Chinese market while reducing its operational exposure. The transaction represents another example of multinational food companies reassessing their presence in China's increasingly competitive consumer market. For AustAsia, the acquisition provides an opportunity to expand its dairy processing portfolio and strengthen downstream integration, while for Meiji it marks a strategic shift toward a more focused business model centred on higher-margin product categories. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4325/fuhua-tongda-to-acquire-65000-tonne-glyphosate-capacity-quota-from-shandong-yier-chemical.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4325/fuhua-tongda-to-acquire-65000-tonne-glyphosate-capacity-quota-from-shandong-yier-chemical.html Wed, 22 Jul 2026 13:29:48 +0530 Fuhua Tongda Chemical Co., Ltd. has announced plans to acquire a 65,000-tonne-per-year glyphosate production capacity quota from Shandong Yier Chemical Co., Ltd., a move that will significantly expand its manufacturing footprint and reinforce its leadership in the global herbicide market. The proposed transfer enables Fuhua Tongda to increase its glyphosate production capacity under China's capacity replacement policy governing high-energy and high-emission industrial projects. Rather than constructing new facilities, the company will secure existing production quotas through a negotiated transaction, providing a faster and more cost-efficient route to expansion. Prior to the transaction, Fuhua Tongda operated approximately 153,000 tonnes per year of glyphosate production capacity, placing it among the world's three largest manufacturers of the widely used non-selective herbicide. The addition of Yier Chemical's 65,000-tonne quota is expected to further strengthen the company's competitive position in both domestic and international crop protection markets. Shandong Yier Chemical, established in 2003, is a state-designated pesticide manufacturer specialising in the research, development, production and marketing of agrochemicals and fine chemicals. The company is also recognised as one of China's key producers of PMIDA, a major intermediate used in glyphosate manufacturing, alongside glyphosate itself. The transaction reflects China's ongoing efforts to optimise industrial capacity through quota transfers rather than unrestricted expansion. Under the country's "two-high" policy, which regulates industries characterised by high energy consumption and high emissions, companies seeking to add production capacity must obtain equivalent quotas from existing operators. For Fuhua Tongda, the acquisition offers both strategic and operational advantages by accelerating expansion while reducing the capital expenditure and approval timelines typically associated with greenfield projects. The deal is also expected to reinforce Leshan's position as one of China's principal glyphosate manufacturing hubs, supporting further industrial concentration within the region's green chemical sector and strengthening the city's role in the global agrochemical supply chain. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4306/chinese-agrochemical-firm-acquires-plant-immunity-technology-in-7-mn-bet-on-next-generation-biopesticides.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4306/chinese-agrochemical-firm-acquires-plant-immunity-technology-in-7-mn-bet-on-next-generation-biopesticides.html Mon, 20 Jul 2026 16:32:56 +0530 China's push towards sustainable crop protection gained fresh momentum after Jiangsu Pesticide Research Institute Co., Ltd. (JPRI) signed an agreement to acquire a protein-based plant immunity inducer technology from Nanjing Agricultural University for RMB 50 million (approximately $7 million). The deal, signed on July 16, represents a significant university-to-industry technology transfer in China's rapidly evolving biopesticide sector and underscores growing commercial interest in biological crop protection solutions that reduce dependence on conventional chemical pesticides. Under the agreement, JPRI will lead the product through regulatory registration and commercial deployment in the Chinese market. A different approach to crop protection Unlike traditional pesticides that eliminate pests or pathogens directly, the newly acquired technology works by stimulating a plant's natural immune system. Marketed in China under the trademark "Nannong Youkang," the protein-based plant immunity inducer activates broad-spectrum disease resistance, enabling crops to defend themselves against multiple pathogens over an extended period while reducing the likelihood of resistance development. The technology also offers environmental advantages by lowering risks to beneficial insects and other non-target organisms, aligning with China's broader transition towards greener agricultural inputs. From laboratory breakthrough to commercial product The technology is the result of more than two decades of research by Nanjing Agricultural University's crop disease research team, whose work has appeared in leading scientific journals including Science and Nature. Its commercial significance, however, lies less in the underlying science than in solving one of the industry's biggest manufacturing challenges. Researchers succeeded in developing an endotoxin-free eukaryotic secretory expression system capable of producing the protein at tonne-scale volumes while significantly improving storage stability and field shelf life—technical hurdles that had previously prevented protein-based immunity inducers from becoming commercially viable. Those advances ultimately laid the foundation for the RMB 50 million licensing agreement. Promising field performance Field evaluations across eastern China's soybean-growing regions have produced encouraging results. According to trial data, the product reduced the incidence of major diseases, including root rot and viral infections, by 68.7 per cent, while increasing soybean yields by 17.6 per cent. In rice cultivation, it lowered chemical pesticide use by 20 per cent, achieved an overall disease control rate of 84.6 per cent, and improved yields by 5.8 per cent compared with conventional crop protection programmes. Researchers say the product can also be integrated with an earlier-developed seed-coating technology, creating a biological crop protection system that supports disease management throughout the crop growth cycle. A signal for China's biologicals industry The transaction reflects a broader trend across China's agricultural sector, where public research institutions and private companies are increasingly collaborating to commercialise advanced biological technologies. As regulators, growers and global food markets place greater emphasis on sustainability, protein-based crop protection products could emerge as an important new category within the biologicals market, offering growers alternatives that combine disease management with lower environmental impact. For Jiangsu Pesticide Research Institute, the acquisition provides access to a differentiated technology platform as competition intensifies in China's rapidly expanding biopesticides industry. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4305/cr-double-crane-emerges-as-preferred-bidder-for-controlling-stake-in-agrochemical-major-lier-chemical.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4305/cr-double-crane-emerges-as-preferred-bidder-for-controlling-stake-in-agrochemical-major-lier-chemical.html Mon, 20 Jul 2026 16:24:51 +0530 Chinese pharmaceutical company CR Double-Crane Co., Ltd. has emerged as the preferred bidder to acquire a 23.5 per cent controlling stake in Lier Chemical Co., Ltd., marking a significant move that could reshape China's synthetic biology and agrochemical landscape. The announcement follows a competitive public bidding process launched in May, which attracted ten qualified bidders. According to disclosures by both companies on July 15, CR Double-Crane secured the highest evaluation score and will now enter exclusive negotiations with Sichuan Jiuyuan Investment Holding Group, Lier Chemical's controlling shareholder, and its concert party. If completed, the transaction would represent more than a change in ownership. It would bring together one of China's established pharmaceutical manufacturers with a leading agrochemical producer, reflecting a broader convergence between life sciences and agricultural technologies. Synthetic biology at the heart of the deal For CR Double-Crane, the proposed acquisition aligns with its long-term strategy to expand the commercial applications of synthetic biology beyond pharmaceuticals. Since 2022, the company has been building capabilities across pharmaceutical intermediates, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), functional nutrition, crop protection, and new materials. Acquiring Lier Chemical would immediately strengthen that strategy by providing large-scale manufacturing capabilities in agricultural chemicals—an area where CR Double-Crane has had limited production infrastructure. Lier Chemical is one of China's prominent agrochemical manufacturers, with an integrated production chain for chloropyridine-based herbicides and glufosinate-ammonium, products that continue to play an important role in global crop protection markets. Complementary strengths Industry observers see the proposed transaction as strategically complementary. While CR Double-Crane would gain manufacturing capacity and market access in crop protection, Lier Chemical could benefit from the pharmaceutical company's advanced research capabilities, stronger capital base, and nationwide commercial network. The combination also reflects the growing overlap between pharmaceutical chemistry and agricultural biotechnology, where advances in synthetic biology are increasingly driving innovation across both sectors. Regulatory hurdles remain The proposed acquisition is expected to trigger a change in control at Lier Chemical if successfully completed. However, the transaction remains subject to negotiations on valuation and commercial terms, as well as approvals from state-owned assets regulators and other relevant Chinese authorities. Both companies emphasized that no definitive agreement has been signed, and there is no certainty that the negotiations will result in a final transaction. Should the deal proceed, it would underscore the growing strategic importance of synthetic biology in China's industrial policy while highlighting increasing consolidation across the country's fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and crop protection sectors. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4282/sunpine-acquisition-bolsters-varopreems-advanced-biofuels-strategy-across-europe.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4282/sunpine-acquisition-bolsters-varopreems-advanced-biofuels-strategy-across-europe.html Wed, 15 Jul 2026 15:45:13 +0530 VAROPreem has completed the acquisition of Sunpine, the world's largest Raw Tall Oil (RTO) biorefinery, in a strategic move that strengthens its vertically integrated renewable fuels business and enhances Europe's supply of advanced biofuel feedstocks. The transaction gives the energy company full ownership of a critical upstream asset at a time when demand for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) is accelerating across the continent. Following the acquisition, the Swedish biorefinery will operate as VAROPreem Sunpine, combining Sunpine's proprietary refining technology and nearly two decades of industrial expertise with VAROPreem's growing renewable energy portfolio. The integration is expected to improve feedstock security, optimise refining operations and reinforce the company's position in Europe's rapidly evolving low-carbon fuels market. Located in Piteå, Sweden, the facility processes approximately 400,000 tonnes of Raw Tall Oil annually, converting forestry residues into high-quality renewable feedstocks used in the production of HVO and SAF. Certified under the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) framework, the feedstock delivers greenhouse gas emission reductions of up to 99.7 per cent compared with conventional fossil fuels while avoiding competition with food crops or agricultural land. The acquisition comes as European energy markets prepare for tighter sustainability mandates under regulatory frameworks such as RED III, ReFuelEU Aviation and FuelEU Maritime, all of which are expected to drive substantial growth in demand for advanced renewable fuels. By securing direct control over a limited and traceable feedstock source, VAROPreem aims to improve long-term supply certainty while increasing operational efficiency across its refining, trading and logistics network. Renewable feedstocks produced at the Piteå facility will continue to be processed into HVO and SAF at VAROPreem's refining assets, supporting the company's broader strategy of supplying both conventional and renewable energy solutions to transport and industrial sectors. The site's integrated sustainability model also captures surplus process heat for use in the local district heating network, further improving resource efficiency and reducing the facility's environmental footprint. The company indicated that further investments will be directed towards expanding operational flexibility and supporting future production growth as Europe's energy transition gathers pace. Commenting on the acquisition, Dev Sanyal, Group CEO of VAROPreem, said the transaction strengthens a strategically important renewable fuels value chain while enhancing the company's ability to support Europe's decarbonisation ambitions. "Sunpine has built one of Europe's most distinctive renewable fuels businesses. This acquisition strengthens a strategic value chain and reinforces VAROPreem's position in Europe's energy transition." David Öquist, CEO of Sunpine, said joining VAROPreem creates new opportunities to expand the reach of Sunpine's technology and build on its established industrial platform. "Joining VAROPreem opens a new chapter. Together we can build on Sunpine's strong foundations and bring our technology to a wider market." With full ownership of one of Europe's most significant renewable feedstock producers, VAROPreem is positioning itself to capture growing opportunities in advanced biofuels while strengthening the resilience, traceability and sustainability of its renewable fuels supply chain. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4178/ceva-animal-health-expands-swine-health-portfolio-with-aquiln-acquisition.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4178/ceva-animal-health-expands-swine-health-portfolio-with-aquiln-acquisition.html Fri, 26 Jun 2026 16:53:55 +0530 Ceva Animal Health has strengthened its position in the global swine health market through the acquisition of Spanish biotechnology company Aquilón CyL S.L., expanding its portfolio of biological solutions for intestinal diseases while reinforcing its long-term strategy to advance sustainable livestock production. The transaction brings into Ceva's portfolio the first and only commercially available European vaccine against swine dysentery caused by Brachyspira hyodysenteriae, a highly infectious bacterial disease responsible for significant production losses and increased antibiotic use across pig farming operations worldwide. Founded in 2012 as a spin-off from the University of León, Aquilón has built expertise in swine gastrointestinal research, diagnostics, and biological product development, translating academic science into commercially viable solutions for on-farm disease management. Its scientific capabilities have positioned the company as a specialist in addressing intestinal health challenges that directly affect animal welfare, productivity, and producer profitability. The acquisition enhances Ceva's disease prevention platform at a time when livestock industries globally are accelerating efforts to reduce antibiotic dependence while improving herd health through vaccination and precision disease management. As regulatory scrutiny over antimicrobial use intensifies, preventive biological solutions are increasingly becoming central to modern swine production systems. Beyond expanding its commercial vaccine portfolio, the agreement also strengthens Ceva's research and development capabilities. Aquilón's scientific team will join the company, adding specialized expertise in intestinal microbiology, diagnostics, and vaccine development that is expected to accelerate innovation across Ceva's global swine health pipeline. The integration is expected to support the development of new vaccines and diagnostic technologies aimed at improving disease prevention while promoting more sustainable production practices across international pork markets. The acquisition also reflects broader consolidation trends within the animal health industry, where leading companies continue to invest in biotechnology firms with niche expertise to address emerging livestock health challenges through innovation rather than therapeutic intervention. As global pork producers face mounting pressure to improve productivity, animal welfare, and antimicrobial stewardship simultaneously, the combination of Ceva's international commercial network and Aquilón's specialized scientific expertise is expected to strengthen access to advanced biological tools for swine producers worldwide. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4068/legendary-fruit-company-moves-to-acquire-gebbers-farms.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4068/legendary-fruit-company-moves-to-acquire-gebbers-farms.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 16:09:01 +0530 Proposed acquisition would combine more than 15,000 acres of production capacity and strengthen access to premium apple and cherry varieties, while maintaining key marketing and supply partnerships Legendary Fruit Company has signed a letter of intent to acquire substantially all assets of Brewster Heights Packing & Orchards (BHPO), operating as Gebbers Farms, through a court-supervised sale process, marking a major consolidation in the U.S. tree fruit sector. The proposed transaction would unite two prominent Washington State fruit growers and packers, creating a combined operation with access to more than 15,000 acres of agricultural land and annual production of approximately 12 million boxes of apples and 4.5 million boxes of cherries. The acquisition would also provide Legendary Fruit Company with exclusive production and packaging rights for several premium apple varieties, including SugarBee, Rockit, Lucy Rose, and Lucy Glo, further strengthening its position in the high-value fresh fruit segment. “The Gebbers name is the preeminent name in Northern Washington for apples, pears and cherries. We have known and worked with the team there for many years—not only as respected operators in our industry, but as neighbors who share the same commitment to excellence that guides our own business,” said Steve Clement, Chief Executive Officer of Legendary Fruit Company. “This agreement strengthens our ability to bring consumer-favorite apple and cherry varieties to market, including SugarBee apples. With our partnership in the North, we will continue the legacy of building strong relationships with growers, retailers, packaging partners and the communities we call home,” he added. The combined entity is expected to emerge as one of North America’s largest fruit producers, enhancing scale across growing, packing and distribution operations while expanding access to premium branded fruit varieties. Legendary Fruit Company also confirmed that existing commercial partnerships will remain intact following the completion of the transaction. Fruit packed at BHPO will continue to supply Chelan Fresh, while CMI Orchards will retain its role as a strategic marketing partner for fruit originating from Legendary’s existing operations outside the Gebbers acquisition. “The fruit packed at BHPO will continue to supply Chelan Fresh. At the same time, CMI Orchards will remain a key strategic marketing partner for Legendary Fruit Company and will continue to market all fruit from Legendary’s existing operations outside of the Gebbers acquisition, with no changes to those current programs and customer relationships,” Clement said. Based in Wapato and Chelan, Washington, Legendary Fruit Company focuses on premium-quality apple and cherry production. The proposed acquisition reflects growing consolidation within the specialty fruit industry as producers seek greater scale, stronger varietal portfolios and enhanced market reach amid evolving consumer demand for branded fresh produce. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4067/singapores-wilmar-deepens-africa-presence-through-strategic-tgi-alliance.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4067/singapores-wilmar-deepens-africa-presence-through-strategic-tgi-alliance.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 16:00:04 +0530 New platform links upstream agriculture with branded food manufacturing and distribution businesses in Nigeria and Benin Wilmar International and Tropical General Investments (TGI) Group have signed definitive agreements to combine their operations in Nigeria and the Republic of Benin through a 50:50 joint venture, creating an integrated agribusiness and food platform aimed at strengthening food production and distribution across West Africa. The joint venture will be established through a Singapore-incorporated holding company jointly owned by both partners. The transaction brings together a broad portfolio of businesses spanning oil palm plantations, edible oils, rice, consumer food products, food manufacturing, and distribution networks across the two countries. The partnership is expected to create a vertically integrated platform linking upstream agricultural production with processing, manufacturing, branding, and market distribution capabilities. Wilmar Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Kuok Khoon Hong said Nigeria and Benin represent strategically important consumer markets in Africa, supported by a combined population exceeding 260 million people and continued demand for improved food supply and distribution systems. According to the companies, the combined business will address an estimated market opportunity of more than US$12 billion across the two countries, leveraging complementary strengths in agriculture, consumer products, and supply-chain infrastructure. Rahul Savara, Co-Founder and Group Managing Director of TGI Group, said the partnership is focused on building a long-term growth platform capable of meeting evolving consumer needs while supporting agricultural and industrial development across the region. The companies stated that the joint venture is expected to enhance operational efficiencies, strengthen food security, and accelerate investment across key agricultural value chains in West Africa. Completion of the transaction remains subject to customary regulatory approvals and merger control clearances. The companies expect the deal to be finalized during the financial year ending December 31, 2026. The partnership marks one of the most significant agribusiness collaborations in the region, reflecting growing investor interest in Africa’s food production, processing, and consumer goods sectors amid rising population growth and urbanization trends. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4038/jaarbeurs-announces-acquisition-of-food-agri-innovation-platform-foodbytes-from-rabobank-during-viv-europe-2026.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/4038/jaarbeurs-announces-acquisition-of-food-agri-innovation-platform-foodbytes-from-rabobank-during-viv-europe-2026.html Fri, 05 Jun 2026 12:28:03 +0530 Deal brings together VIV Worldwide’s international reach and Foodbytes’ digital innovation platform, creating new opportunities for startups, investors, corporates, and agri-food entrepreneurs worldwide Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs is acquiring the innovation platform Foodbytes from Rabobank. Since 2015, Foodbytes has been an international hub for startups, corporates, and investors active in the agri and food sectors. The platform brings together stakeholders working on areas such as regenerative agriculture, alternative protein production, robotics and automation in farming, and innovations in seaweed production. The acquisition was announced today at VIV Europe 2026, the international agritech exhibition currently taking place at Jaarbeurs. Jaarbeurs has been active worldwide in the agri and food sector for over forty years through VIV Worldwide, a global network of events. Jeroen van Hooff, CEO of Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs: “With Foodbytes, we are making a significant step forward in creating digital opportunities for our community in this sector. Live encounters are and will remain crucial; with Foodbytes, we are also expanding our online offering of relevant meeting spaces for decision-makers, investors and entrepreneurs. It is not only part of our digital strategy, but also of the further development of our position in this sector. With Foodbytes, we gain insights and knowledge that we can share with the food and agri community to support their growth. Rabobank and Jaarbeurs know each other as trusted and inspiring partners—and we are literally neighbors in Utrecht. We are therefore very pleased to continue our collaboration, including in the context of Foodbytes.” Foodbytes has grown rapidly in recent years and is now ready to enter its next phase of growth. Roland van der Vorst, Strategic Advisor of the Board of Rabobank and as former Head of Innovation responsible for launching Foodbytes: “It is impressive how the Foodbytes team has grown from a physical event into a fully-fledged international digital innovation platform. As Rabobank, we are proud of what we have developed, and we also see that Foodbytes has greater potential to grow beyond the confines of a strictly regulated financial institution. With Jaarbeurs, we have found the ideal partner to achieve this: we will continue to work closely with Foodbytes as a strategic partner, and the combination of digital and physical events holds great promise.” ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/3985/transfresh-acquires-hazel-technologies-to-expand-next-generation-freshness-platform-for-berries.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/3985/transfresh-acquires-hazel-technologies-to-expand-next-generation-freshness-platform-for-berries.html Thu, 28 May 2026 15:04:25 +0530 Acquisition brings Breatheway system into Chiquita-backed supply chain platform TransFRESH Corporation, a subsidiary of Chiquita Holdings Limited, has acquired freshness-technology innovator Hazel Technologies in a move aimed at strengthening its position in post-harvest preservation and extending shelf life across the global fresh produce supply chain. The deal integrates Hazel Technologies’ proprietary Breatheway system and its scientific capabilities into TransFRESH’s operations, enhancing the company’s existing Tectrol pallet bag solutions with advanced modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) technology. The acquisition comes as produce suppliers face growing pressure to reduce food waste, improve cold-chain efficiency, and maintain quality across increasingly complex global logistics networks. TransFRESH said the immediate focus will be on applying Hazel’s technology to the berry category, where precise atmospheric control and temperature-responsive packaging are critical to preserving freshness during transport and storage. Hazel Technologies’ system uses smart membrane technology designed to regulate oxygen and carbon dioxide levels within packaging environments, dynamically adjusting to temperature changes and produce respiration rates. Beyond berries, the acquisition also opens pathways into broader applications, including bananas and other tropical fruits, offering potential synergies across Chiquita’s global supply chain operations. Executives said the combination strengthens the company’s long-term strategy to build an integrated platform for freshness science across multiple categories. “This acquisition represents a pivotal milestone in our strategy to develop and operate the industry's most advanced freshness technologies,” said John P. Olivo, president of TransFRESH Corporation. With the deal, TransFRESH is positioning itself not just as a packaging provider, but as a technology-driven freshness solutions platform spanning the global produce industry. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/3858/rantizo-drone-assets-to-move-into-public-markets-through-skk-holdings-transaction.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/3858/rantizo-drone-assets-to-move-into-public-markets-through-skk-holdings-transaction.html Mon, 11 May 2026 13:27:32 +0530 Agreement includes board representation, PIPE financing and long-term commercial expansion plans SKK Holdings Limited has signed a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all drone-related assets of American Autonomy Inc. in a transaction valued at approximately $258.8 million, marking a major expansion into the fast-growing unmanned aerial systems and precision agriculture markets. The transaction will transfer Rantizo’s drone assets used in agricultural spraying, seeding and monitoring, along with applications across forestry, emergency response and broader commercial sectors, into SKK Holdings’ Nasdaq-listed platform. Under the terms of the agreement, the acquired assets will be exchanged for newly issued Class A ordinary shares of SKK Holdings. Concurrent with the asset purchase agreement, certain existing SKK Holdings shareholders entered into a separate securities purchase agreement with Rantizo, enabling the drone company to acquire Class B ordinary shares for an aggregate cash consideration of $8 million. The arrangement gives Rantizo an immediate equity stake in SKK Holdings while positioning it to become the dominant shareholder following completion of the transaction. SKK Holdings said the acquisition is intended to establish an integrated commercial drone platform combining technology, operational infrastructure and public market access to accelerate expansion across precision agriculture and emergency response services. “The Rantizo asset base gives SKK Holdings a differentiated platform in one of the fastest-growing segments of the unmanned systems economy,” said Sze Koon Kiat, Chief Executive Officer of SKK Holdings. “With applications across agriculture and emergency response, this transaction materially expands the scope of what SKK Holdings can pursue on behalf of its shareholders,” Kiat said. The company said the deal is designed to accelerate commercialisation efforts, deepen customer relationships and support future consolidation opportunities within the unmanned aerial systems industry. Following the transaction, SKK Holdings plans to leverage access to U.S. capital markets to scale drone-based operations and expand technology deployment across agriculture, forestry management and emergency response applications. Marianne McInerney, who will assume the role of President upon completion of the deal, said the transaction comes at a critical time for the commercial drone industry. “Transferring Rantizo’s drone-based technology and commercial infrastructure into a Nasdaq-listed vehicle gives the business the capital access and governance profile this industry now demands,” McInerney said. “We view the next 24 months as a decisive window for commercial drone operators with the right assets, balance sheet and governance to capture market share,” she added. The transaction values Rantizo’s drone assets at $258.8 million based on a formula linked to the volume weighted average price of SKK Holdings shares over the three trading days prior to closing. The valuation process included an independent third-party assessment conducted by Newbridge Securities Corporation. Following completion of the deal, Rantizo is expected to own a substantial majority of SKK Holdings’ issued and outstanding Class A ordinary shares. The agreement also grants Rantizo the right to nominate two directors to SKK Holdings’ board, including one executive director and one independent director meeting Nasdaq and SEC independence standards. In addition, SKK Holdings agreed to issue management incentive shares with an aggregate grant-date value of $12 million based on the company’s share price prior to closing. As part of the broader financing structure, certain Rantizo investors are expected to invest an additional $10 million into the company through a PIPE transaction before closing. The proceeds will be held in escrow and released to SKK Holdings upon completion of the transaction. The acquisition remains subject to shareholder approval, Nasdaq approval, regulatory clearances and other customary closing conditions. SKK Holdings said it plans to convene an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders to seek approval for the transaction, issuance of shares and related governance amendments. The deal reflects increasing investor interest in commercial drone technologies as agricultural automation, precision spraying, aerial monitoring and emergency response applications gain traction globally. Industry analysts expect consolidation within the unmanned aerial systems sector to accelerate as operators seek scale, regulatory compliance and access to capital markets. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/3849/inside-suterras-strategic-grab-for-vestarons-biotech-arsenal.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/3849/inside-suterras-strategic-grab-for-vestarons-biotech-arsenal.html Fri, 08 May 2026 15:53:35 +0530 Acquisition adds peptide-driven pest control technologies and advanced R&D capabilities amid intensifying demand for non-chemical crop solutions In a move that underscores the accelerating consolidation within the global biologicals industry, Suterra, the pheromone-based crop protection division of The Wonderful Company, has acquired key research assets, commercial product lines, and development programs from Vestaron Corporation, strengthening its position in the rapidly expanding market for biologically derived pest control technologies. The transaction brings under Suterra’s control the Spear and Basin product portfolios, alongside a broader pipeline of peptide-based active ingredients and formulations that had been under development at Vestaron’s research operations in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The acquisition also includes assets associated with Vestaron’s R&D facility, signaling Suterra’s intent to deepen its scientific and manufacturing capabilities at a time when agricultural input markets are increasingly pivoting toward sustainable alternatives to conventional chemistry. While financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed, industry observers view the acquisition as a strategically significant expansion for Suterra, whose biological pest management platform has historically centered around pheromone technologies and integrated pest management systems. At the center of the deal is Spear Lep, one of Vestaron’s most commercially visible bioinsecticide technologies and a product already gaining traction among growers seeking residue-conscious and resistance-management solutions. The product, recently approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is designed to target lepidopteran pests through peptide-based biological mechanisms that differ fundamentally from traditional synthetic chemistries. Suterra confirmed it plans to begin manufacturing its own branded and supported version of Spear Lep later this year, a move expected to strengthen supply continuity while integrating the product into the company’s broader commercial distribution and technical support infrastructure. “Spear Lep is already familiar to many growers and advisers,” said Matthew Bohnert, President of Suterra. “We’re excited to bring this product into Suterra’s portfolio and continue supporting growers with reliable supply and technical expertise.” The acquisition arrives at a pivotal inflection point for the biologicals sector, where investor enthusiasm has increasingly shifted from experimental promise toward commercially scalable technologies capable of delivering measurable field performance. Against that backdrop, Suterra’s move reflects a broader industry recalibration favoring platforms with demonstrated grower adoption, regulatory validation, and operational scalability. Vestaron, long recognized for its peptide-based insect control technologies inspired by naturally occurring compounds, had emerged as one of the more scientifically ambitious players in agricultural biologicals. The company’s research efforts focused on leveraging bioactive peptides to create targeted pest management tools with lower environmental persistence and reduced resistance risks. Vestaron leadership framed the transaction as a natural progression for technologies that have already established market credibility. “Suterra has demonstrated a consistent ability to successfully scale biologically based technologies, but what makes this combination particularly compelling is the grower adoption and proven success of Spear LEP in the market,” said Juan Estupinan, CEO and President of Vestaron. “We are incredibly proud of what has been built, and confident that this platform will continue to deliver even greater value to growers globally.” The deal also highlights intensifying competitive momentum within agricultural biologicals, one of the fastest-growing segments in crop protection. As regulators tighten scrutiny around conventional pesticides and growers confront escalating resistance challenges, companies are racing to secure differentiated technologies capable of integrating into mainstream farming systems without compromising efficacy or operational economics. For Suterra, the acquisition broadens its scientific footprint beyond semiochemicals and reinforces its ambition to become a more diversified biological crop protection platform. The inclusion of Vestaron’s pipeline assets and formulation technologies potentially gives the company access to future product categories spanning multiple pest targets and crop systems. More broadly, the transaction reflects a changing hierarchy within agri-input innovation itself. Biologicals are no longer being positioned merely as complementary sustainability tools; they are increasingly viewed as core components of modern crop protection strategies, particularly in high-value specialty crops where regulatory pressure, export residue standards, and consumer expectations continue to reshape input decisions. As the industry evolves from niche biological experimentation toward scaled commercial deployment, Suterra’s acquisition of Vestaron’s assets signals a growing recognition that the next competitive frontier in agriculture may belong not to companies with the largest chemical portfolios, but to those capable of translating advanced biological science into reliable, field-proven performance at scale. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/3774/olam-advances-breakup-plan-with-olam-agri-stake-sale.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/3774/olam-advances-breakup-plan-with-olam-agri-stake-sale.html Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:25:53 +0530 First tranche deal values business at $4 billion, with full buyout in sight Olam Group Limited has completed the first tranche of its strategic stake sale in Olam Agri to Saudi Agriculture & Livestock Investment Company, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing restructuring strategy. The transaction involves the sale of a 44.58 per cent stake for approximately $1.88 billion, implying a 100 per cent equity valuation of $4.00 billion for Olam Agri, subject to closing adjustments. Following the completion, SALIC becomes the majority shareholder with an 80.01 per cent stake, while Olam Group retains 19.99 per cent, positioning Olam Agri as an associated company. The deal, executed through Olam Group’s wholly owned subsidiary Olam Holdings Pte. Ltd., follows the receipt of all regulatory approvals and fulfillment of closing conditions. It represents a key step in Olam Group’s Updated 2025 Reorganisation Plan, aimed at unlocking shareholder value and optimizing its capital structure. Clear Path to Full Ownership The agreement sets a defined roadmap for full ownership transition. Olam Group retains a put option to divest its remaining 19.99 per cent stake to SALIC within three years for a base consideration of approximately $799.6 million, along with additional option-linked returns and a 6 per cent internal rate of return (IRR). SALIC, in turn, holds a call option to acquire the remaining stake within the same timeframe under identical terms. Upon completion of this second tranche, Olam Agri will become a wholly owned subsidiary of SALIC. Strategic Realignment and Growth Focus The transaction underscores Olam Group’s shift toward portfolio simplification and capital efficiency, as it continues to monetize assets under its broader restructuring framework. The company remains focused on advancing growth initiatives within its remaining businesses while executing further divestments. For Olam Agri, the entry of SALIC—a global food security investor backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth framework—marks a transformational inflection point. The partnership is expected to accelerate expansion across key agricultural value chains, including food, feed, fibre, and fuel, while strengthening its positioning as a global integrated agri-business platform. Strengthening Food Security Linkages The deal also reflects a broader trend of strategic capital flows into global food supply chains, as sovereign-backed investors seek to secure long-term access to agricultural resources. With SALIC’s backing, Olam Agri is poised to scale its operations and deepen its role in addressing global food security challenges. Financial advisory for the transaction was led by Rothschild & Co Singapore Limited, alongside Citigroup Global Markets Singapore Pte. Ltd and The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited. The completion of the first tranche signals strong execution momentum for Olam Group’s restructuring roadmap, while setting the stage for a full ownership transition of Olam Agri in the coming years. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/3550/chinas-yimutian-inc-achieves-key-progress-in-acquiring-xunxi-technology-co-ltd.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/3550/chinas-yimutian-inc-achieves-key-progress-in-acquiring-xunxi-technology-co-ltd.html Tue, 27 Jan 2026 11:31:17 +0530 The Company has formally received the legal due diligence report and transaction structure documentation issued by Global Law Offices. China based Yimutian Inc., a leading agricultural digital service company in China, announced that significant progress has been made in the transaction concerning its intended acquisition of 100 per cent equity in Ningbo Xunxi Technology Co., Ltd.  The Company has formally received the legal due diligence report and transaction structure documentation issued by Global Law Offices. The due diligence results revealed no legal or financial issues that would impact the transaction, marking a key step forward in the compliance and execution phases of this strategic acquisition. On November 6, 2025, Yimutian officially announced its plan to acquire Xunxi Technology in full via a combination of cash and stock. Ningbo Xunxi Technology Co., Ltd. is a technology-driven comprehensive e-commerce operation service provider. The core strategic objective of this acquisition is to enhance the Company's business layout in the consumer segment and drive its evolution from the original "B2B" model towards a "B2B2C" full-industry-chain ecosystem. By integrating Xunxi Technology's capabilities in channel expansion, digital supply chain management, and multi-category operations, Yimutian aims to achieve end-to-end coverage of the agricultural industry chain from upstream production to terminal consumption, thereby diversifying its revenue structure. The transaction is expected to positively contribute to the Company's revenue and earnings per share starting from the first full fiscal year after completion. To ensure the rigor, compliance, and maximization of commercial value for this strategic acquisition, Yimutian engaged independent third-party legal, financial, and business due diligence advisor teams. Global Law Offices, serving as legal counsel, has comprehensively completed the legal due diligence on Xunxi Technology's equity structure, compliant operations, and potential risks. Concurrently, Dongshen Certified Public Accountants has completed financial auditing and evaluation of the target company. Currently, negotiations for integrating the transaction structure based on due diligence findings have reached an essential consensus, and the final acquisition is expected to be completed by March 2026. Company executives from both sides expressed clear expectations regarding the transaction's value. Jinhong Deng, chief executive officer of Yimutian, commented that: "Xunxi Technology's professional expertise in e-commerce operations holds high strategic synergy with Yimutian's agricultural industrial internet platform. Leveraging its supply chain experience and channel resources, we can more rapidly cover end-consumer scenarios, providing farmers and enterprise clients with full-chain services from production to sales. This will further enhance the profitability of various businesses such as Wolaicai and lay a solid foundation for us to serve a broader customer base." According to the previously outlined plan, upon completion of the acquisition, Lei Chen, chief executive officer of Xunxi Technology, will join Yimutian as Vice President and General Manager of Retail Business. His over 20 years of experience in e-commerce will directly contribute to expanding the consumer-facing business. Lei Chen defined this cooperation as a "strong alliance." He stated: "Yimutian's advantages in agricultural digital infrastructure and full-industry-chain resources will enable our e-commerce operational capabilities to reach the consumer end more precisely. Whether for corporate procurement, membership services, or agricultural product distribution, it will unlock greater market potential. We are confident about the development prospects after joining." It is understood that the final transaction pricing and other specific terms of this acquisition will be disclosed subsequently. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/3497/indorama-investment-suzhou-co-ltd-acquires-100-shares-in-anyang-nitrogen-fertilizer-in-china.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/3497/indorama-investment-suzhou-co-ltd-acquires-100-shares-in-anyang-nitrogen-fertilizer-in-china.html Tue, 30 Dec 2025 03:49:35 +0530 Acquisition is an important milestone for Indorama, supporting fertilizer activities in China—the world’s largest fertilizer market Indorama Investment (Suzhou) Co., Ltd (China), an indirect subsidiary of Indorama Corporation Pte. Ltd, Singapore (Indorama Corporation) has signed definitive documents on 25th December 2025 to acquire 100% shares in Anyang Zhongying Fertilizer Co., Ltd., and Anyang Yingde Gases Co., Ltd. (collectively Anyang Nitrogen Fertilizer) from PAG, a leading Asia-focused alternative investment firm. Anyang Nitrogen Fertilizer is a major fertilizer producer in Henan Province, China. Its primary product is Urea, with by-products of ammonia, automotive urea, and industrial gases. Commenting on the acquisition, Mr. Amit Lohia, Vice Chairman of Indorama Corporation said: “This acquisition is an important milestone for Indorama, supporting our fertilizer activities in China—the world’s largest fertilizer market and a cornerstone of global agricultural demand. Anyang’s strong operating base in Henan complements our strategy of investing in high-quality assets that support food security. We see significant long-term growth opportunities in China and look forward to expanding our product offerings to better serve farmers with reliable, efficient, and sustainable solutions.” Mr. David Wong, Partner and Co-Head of Private Equity of PAG said: “We are pleased to have supported the development of Anyang Nitrogen Fertilizer during our ownership. Our operational experience and industrial value creation approach facilitated the growth of Anyang Nitrogen to become a major fertilizer producer in China. With its strong operational foundation, Anyang Nitrogen is even better positioned for growth in the future as a part of Indorama and a world leader in the global fertilizer market.” The acquisition is subject to closing conditions pursuant to the definitive documents including statutory and other regulatory approvals. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/3091/bartlett-acquires-global-agriculture-company-ceres-global-ag-corp.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/3091/bartlett-acquires-global-agriculture-company-ceres-global-ag-corp.html Thu, 10 Jul 2025 10:45:48 +0530 Ceres expands Bartlett's operations footprint and grain merchandising capabilities, adding 45 million bushels of grain and oilseed storage capacity in 13 locations Bartlett, a Savage company, has successfully completed its acquisition of Ceres Global Ag Corp., a Minnesota-based agricultural, energy and industrial products supply chain company with operations across the U.S. Northern Plains and Canada. Bartlett has received all necessary court, shareholder, and regulatory approvals for the take-private transaction, which was announced in May this year. With the addition of Ceres, Bartlett expands its operational footprint and grain merchandising capabilities, adding approximately 45 million bushels of total grain and oilseed storage capacity, including joint venture assets, across 13 locations in Minnesota, North Dakota, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. Ceres also brings deep experience in trading key commodities including spring wheat, durum, oats, and canola. "This is an important moment for Ceres, for Bartlett and for the Savage enterprise as a whole," said Jeff Roberts, President and CEO of Savage. "This acquisition represents another step forward in our strategy to strengthen our agriculture business and broaden the value we deliver to customers across North America. The Ceres team and its leadership have an outstanding track record, and we're looking forward to building on that within the Savage portfolio." Bartlett's integration of Ceres is focused on long-term growth; leveraging the combined team's deep agricultural expertise and shared values around service, integrity, and operational excellence. "Ceres fits naturally with Bartlett in terms of people, assets and vision," said Bob Knief, Executive Director at Bartlett. "We're excited to grow our capabilities, expand our reach, and deliver even greater value to our grower and customer partners in the years to come." ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/3090/evogene-transfers-its-agriculture-biological-subsidiary-lavie-bio-ltd-to-icl-group.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/3090/evogene-transfers-its-agriculture-biological-subsidiary-lavie-bio-ltd-to-icl-group.html Thu, 10 Jul 2025 10:38:22 +0530 Evogene announces completion of transaction for the sale of Lavie Bio's activity to ICL The leading computational biology company that develops innovative life-science products based on artificial intelligence and predictive biology, Evangene Ltd., Evogene has sold Lavie Bio's operations to ICL Group, including MicroBoost AI for AG. Earlier this year, Evogene announced its corporate strategy of selling subsidiaries in order to generate financial resources, while narrowing the company's focus to the development of small molecules-based products for pharmaceuticals and agriculture – an area where our ChemPass AI engine provides us with a competitive edge. In collaboration with Google Cloud, we have developed a breakthrough foundational model for generative molecule design using our ChemPass AI engine. This milestone strengthens Evogene's position as a tech-driven leader in life-science innovation. Evangene has closed a deal in which it divested most of its agriculture-biologicals subsidiary, Lavie Bio Ltd., to ICL Group Ltd involving most of its assets and activities. Evogene has also transferred to ICL its proprietary MicroBoost AI for AG platform, which accelerates microbial product development in agriculture. A definitive agreement was signed between ICL and Lavie Bio acquire the company's proprietary Biology Driven Design (BDD) platform, microbial bank, pipeline of advanced development programs, and current commercial product offerings. Lavie Bio's core personnel will also be transferred to ICL. Concurrently, Evogene has divested its MicroBoost AI Tech-Engine for Agriculture, a computational engine designed to optimize microbial discovery and development through artificial intelligence, for additional consideration. Dr. Elinor Erez, VP R&D of Growing Solutions, ICL, stated: "This strategic acquisition of Lavie Bio reflects ICL's continued drive to lead the global ag-biologicals market. By integrating Lavie Bio's platform with ICL's R&D expertise in plant nutrition solutions, global sales network, and field-based agronomy teams, we are strengthening our ability to deliver the next generation of biological solutions. This move enhances our end-to-end innovation pipeline and reinforces ICL's role in advancing sustainable agriculture at scale." Computational biology company Evogene aims to revolutionize product development by implementing cutting-edge technologies to increase success probability while reducing development time and costs. A number of unique technological engines based on Big Data and Artificial Intelligence were developed by Evogene - MicroBoost AI, ChemPass AI, and GeneRator AI - and incorporated deep multidisciplinary understanding of life sciences. MicroBoost AI is focused on discovering and developing products based on microbes, ChemPass AI is focused on small molecules, and GeneRator AI is focused on genetic elements. A wide range of products are developed by Evogene through subsidiaries and strategic partnerships. As of now, Evogene's main subsidiaries are developing human microbiome-based therapeutics through Biomica Ltd., ag-chemicals through AgPlenus Ltd., and ag-biologicals through Lavie Bio Ltd. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/3053/hotpot-goes-global-chinas-anjoy-foods-targets-sea-and-europe-with-336m-hong-kong-ipo.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/3053/hotpot-goes-global-chinas-anjoy-foods-targets-sea-and-europe-with-336m-hong-kong-ipo.html Wed, 25 Jun 2025 11:51:06 +0530 China’s top frozen hotpot ingredient maker, Anjoy Foods, is heating up its global ambitions. The Fujian-based company is set to raise up to $336 million through a Hong Kong listing, aiming to expand into fast-growing markets like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Europe. Backed by Goldman Sachs and CICC, Anjoy plans to float 39.99 million shares on July 4, with proceeds boosting production, branding, and M&A in overseas markets. The company already dominates 6.2 per cent of China’s frozen food sector and sees Southeast Asia's 14.4 per cent CAGR in hotpot dining as fertile ground. “This is our moment,” said board secretary Liang Chen. “No dominant frozen food brand exists in Southeast Asia. We see the same runway we had in China—only faster.” With a solid 2023 performance (¥15.1B in revenue, ¥1.49B net profit), and strong momentum in Hong Kong’s IPO market, Anjoy is betting big on global palates craving Chinese comfort food—served hot and fast. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/2961/sino-agri-leading-biosciences-to-acquire-taizhou-agricultural.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/2961/sino-agri-leading-biosciences-to-acquire-taizhou-agricultural.html Mon, 26 May 2025 14:30:40 +0530 Sino-Agri Leading Biosciences Co., Ltd has entered into a share acquisition agreement with individual shareholders of Zhejiang Province Taizhou City Agricultural Means of Production Co., Ltd. Under the agreement, Sino-Agri Leading intends to acquire at least 50 per cent of the shares held by these individual shareholders through cash payment or other means. Once the transaction is finalized, Taizhou Agricultural will become a controlled subsidiary of Sino-Agri Leading Taizhou Agricultural, headquartered in Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, operates across nearly all provinces in China. The company specializes in four main product categories: pesticides, fertilizers, agricultural films, and seeds, offering over 300 products. Its diversified business model combines chain distribution, agency distribution, and direct sales to large-scale family farms. Taizhou Agricultural holds multiple national intellectual property rights and patents, with particular expertise in rice hybrid breeding. It functions as a comprehensive agricultural chemical service provider, integrating national agency platform business, regional wholesale distribution, and direct sales with dedicated customer support, giving it strong competitive advantages. Financially, Taizhou Agricultural recorded operating revenues of RMB 575 million in 2022, RMB 625 million in 2023, RMB 603 million in 2024, and RMB 183 million in Q1 2025. Corresponding non-recurring net profits were RMB 41 million, RMB 45.15 million, RMB 36.6 million, and RMB 11.89 million respectively. Sino-Agri Leading stated that upon successful completion of the acquisition, Taizhou Agricultural will be consolidated within its financial scope. This move will enhance Sino-Agri Leading’s understanding of market demands and customer behavior, improve customer retention, and accelerate market expansion in Zhejiang and neighboring regions. Moreover, Taizhou Agricultural’s capabilities will synergize with Sino-Agri Leading’s crop health business segment, broadening the company’s product and service portfolio and boosting its responsiveness, decision-making, and brand influence at the market level. Beyond its strong domestic presence, Sino-Agri Leading’s international business through its SINO-AGRI platform is also thriving. The platform focuses on building a “non-selective herbicide value platform,” supporting the transformation and advancement of the global agrochemical supply chain and fostering collaboration within the industry ecosystem. SINO-AGRI acts as a professional channel for Chinese agrochemical companies to enter international markets, driving cooperation and high-quality development across the global agricultural industry. The acquisition of Taizhou Agricultural marks a strategic step for Sino-Agri Leading to strengthen its market position and service capabilities at home and abroad. This integration will allow the company to leverage combined domestic and international strengths, empowering sustainable global agricultural development. This aligns with Sino-Agri Leading’s mission to build an inclusive global agricultural community and provide comprehensive solutions that support farmers worldwide. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/2950/brazilian-food-giants-marfrig-and-brf-merge-forming-new-entity-mbrf.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/2950/brazilian-food-giants-marfrig-and-brf-merge-forming-new-entity-mbrf.html Fri, 23 May 2025 14:51:36 +0530 MBRF emerges as Brazil’s 7th largest company with $152 Billion in annual revenue, uniting two meat industry giants into a global multi-protein leader Marfrig Global Foods and BRF have officially merged to establish MBRF, forming one of the largest food companies in the world. The consolidation brings together two of Brazil’s biggest players in the meat and food processing industry, uniting their multi-protein portfolios and global brand networks under a single corporate entity. Citing strategic, operational, and tax efficiencies, the companies stated that MBRF will employ 130,000 people and operate in 117 countries. With a reported combined net revenue of US$152 billion over the past 12 months, the new entity becomes the seventh-largest company in Brazil by revenue. Marcos Molina, appointed Controller and Chairman of the Board for MBRF, called the merger a pivotal move to accelerate growth and realize synergies across international markets. He emphasized that MBRF represents the start of a new phase focused on creating long-term value. The announcement follows a robust financial year for both companies, with BRF achieving its highest-ever annual profit in 2024. Both BRF and Marfrig posted strong financial results in 2024, reinforcing the strategic rationale behind their merger into the newly formed food industry giant, MBRF. BRF saw its net income surge by 297.5 per cent, reaching $637 million , while EBITDA jumped 155 per cent to $1.81 billion. In the fourth quarter alone, BRF reported net profit of $149 million, marking a 15 per cent year-over-year increase. The company attributed its improved performance to effective cost management—particularly in raw material procurement such as corn—and a strong export strategy, securing 84 new international permits in 2024. Since 2022, BRF has obtained 175 new market approvals, significantly broadening its global footprint. Marfrig, meanwhile, reported net income of $571 million and an adjusted EBITDA of $2.77 billion for the year. The company highlighted its focus on protein and geographic diversification, as well as the expansion of value-added product lines, as key drivers of its financial success. In addition to its financial achievements, Marfrig earned top recognition for its sustainability efforts. The FAIRR Initiative ranked it the best performer in its sector, and the company received grade 'A' ratings across all three CDP environmental categories: Climate Change, Water Security, and Forests—a first in its corporate history. The strong performances of both companies provide a solid foundation for MBRF as it begins operations as one of the largest food businesses in the world, with ambitions for sustained global growth and leadership in sustainability. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/2792/the-3rd-agri-food-tech-asia-expo-aftea-convened-global-leaders-in-the-agri-food-tech-and-agri-food-industries-in-singapore.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/2792/the-3rd-agri-food-tech-asia-expo-aftea-convened-global-leaders-in-the-agri-food-tech-and-agri-food-industries-in-singapore.html Thu, 21 Nov 2024 15:38:00 +0530 Asia’s leading agri-food tech and agri-food industry event; 4-6 Nov 2024 The 3rd edition of Agri-Food Tech Asia Expo (AFTEA) brought together global leaders, experts, and innovators to explore strategies for sustainable food systems on November 4-6, 2025 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo in Singapore. As Asia's premier sourcing and networking platform for the region’s agrifood and foodtech industry, the event was exclusively crafted for policymakers, decision makers, and innovators in food processing, food service operators, retail, and investment.  Agri-Food Tech Expo Asia was officially inaugurated by Dr. Poh-Koon Koh, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment & Ministry of Manpower on November 4. On the occasion, Dr. Koh spearheaded a collaborative effort to launch the Singapore Aquaculture Plan (SAP) at AFTEA 2024, involving more than 30 stakeholders across the aquaculture value chain. Based on five key pillars, the SAP aims to drive innovation, collaboration, and sustainable progress in aquaculture in Singapore. The AFTEA conference offered a comprehensive perspective on the latest trends and opportunities in the Asian food industry. Among the topics discussed were novel and sustainable foods, alternative proteins, smart and urban farming applications and systems, cutting-edge technologies, cellular agriculture, aquaculture, food safety, and sustainability management. One of the most unique trade events for bringing together cutting-edge technologies, innovative food solutions, and global investment opportunities to elevate the future of food sustainability and security, AFTEA plays a key role in ensuring food sustainability and security. AFTEA served as the cornerstone event of the Singapore International Agri-Food Week (SIAW), providing a platform for agritech companies to showcase innovative products and solutions that can help future-proof the region's agriculture. AFTEA brought together global leaders, including government representatives, business leaders, venture capitalists and investors, facilitating knowledge exchange and exposure to the latest solutions in Asia's agri-food landscape. During the conference, key decision makers, including food manufacturers, processors, policymakers, farmers, and growers, as well as investors, had the opportunity to discover new technologies and preview innovative food products that will sustain and shape the future of food systems. The event was organised by Constellar Exhibitions Pte Ltd and DLG International GmbH. The event was supported by government agencies and industry partners, including the Singapore Food Agency, Temasek, and Enterprise Singapore as part of Singapore International Agri-Food Week (SIAW). “In a rapidly evolving landscape where concerns about sustainability and food security, powered by technological advancements are transforming the agrifood sector in Asia, AFTEA serves as a vital platform for dialogue, collaboration and innovation to shape the future of the agrifood industry. I encourage all agribusiness stakeholders to participate in AFTEA 2024, to share and discover groundbreaking innovations in agri and food technology, sustainable and regenerative farming, alternative proteins, aquaculture, and more,” said Mr Chen Yuyuan, Portfolio Director, Constellar. Keeping collaboration at the forefront of agri-food tech helps drive sustainable solutions for food security and production by connecting startups, researchers, and industry leaders. Over 10,000 key players in the global agribusiness value chain attended the AFTEA gathering, including policymakers, decision makers, retailers, and investment professionals. The AFTEA showcases the latest agri-tech and foodtech solutions from exhibitors globally, offering a comprehensive view on the latest agri-tech and foodtech trends and opportunities.  AFTEA 2024 focused on Innovation, Safety, and Sustainability - three key components of agritech business - to drive regional agrifood growth and development. Innovation: Innovative solutions and technologies can help farmers and food tech companies scale food production, accelerate business transformation, expand distribution channels, and bridge financial support gaps. Safety: In parallel, safety solutions and processes for food processing, production, and distribution can benefit consumers, producers, and the environment. A range of solutions covering aspects of food tracking, traceability, hygienic design, fraud prevention, standards and certification, inspection and detection. Sustainability: In order to create positive impacts on people and the planet, sustainable solutions are necessary to transform food production. Solutions that conserve energy and resources, and optimize water and wastewater management while transforming food production. “AFTEA is an essential and valuable platform that brings together global leaders, experts, and innovators to promote sustainable food systems. Showcasing advanced agri-tech solutions, novel foods, alternative proteins, and smart farming applications, AFTEA spotlights cutting-edge trends and technologies. The event emphasises the importance of Public-Private Partnerships which is very much aligned with the priorities of APEC Policy Partnership on Food Security, and the critical role of the Agri-Food Tech World Championship in addressing food security challenges. Amid rising food prices and supply-demand issues, AFTEA is pivotal in promoting public-private cooperation for food security in APEC economies,” said Professor Matthew Tan, Chair for Sustainable in Agriculture & Fishery Sectors, APEC Policy Partnership on Food Security. Enthralling Pavillions and Panel Discussions: AFTEA provided a premier platform for agri-food tech companies to showcase cutting-edge technologies, products and solutions that will future-proof the region's agri-food industries. An international content partner of Constellar, DLG (the German Agricultural Society), AFTEA is a key participant in Singapore International Agri-Food Week (SIAW), which is organized by the Singapore Food Agency and Temasek in collaboration with the Singapore Economic Development Board, Enterprise Singapore, Singapore Tourism Board (STB), and the Singapore Government Agency for Science, Technology, and Research. It is organized by Constellar and Rethink Events. The AFTEA showcases the latest advancements in the agri-food sector through a living lab demo zone, knowledge sharing on content stages, and pitching competitions. Approximately 10,000 attendees will have direct access to 300 exhibitors this year, an increase of 40 percent from last year, including over 100 start-ups and 17 international and industry groups showcasing the latest innovations, practices, and strategies. For emerging and established players in the agrifood industry, Agri-Food Tech Expo Asia (AFTEA) offers a focused exhibition platform featuring live demonstrations, thematic experiential zones, a sandbox, and community-based learning opportunities. Agrifood-tech stakeholders from the public and private sectors as well as knowledge institutions participated in a networking reception on the show floor to engage in constructive dialogue. The Asia-Pacific Society for Cellular Agriculture (APAC-SCA) supported the Cultivated Meat Pavilion, which returns after its successful debut last year to present the latest products in cultivated meat. A number of leading cultivated meat companies were featured in the pavilion, including Avant Meat, Cell Agritech, DPR Construction Asia Pacific, JS Biosciences, among others.  Farmers and growers, manufacturers, technology providers, MNCs, start-ups, investors, wholesalers, and more are gathered at this pavilion, along with manufacturers, technology solution providers, investors, wholesalers, and more. As a dynamic platform for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the agri-business sector, Founder's Hub hosted a pitching stage for start-up competitions and was a featured event at a global start-up competition organised with Innovate 360. A start-up pavilion led by Innovate 360 and Impact Circle, was also hosted where start-ups could network, collaborate, and explore growth and investment opportunities. Bringing together the largest agri-food technology start-up ecosystem in Southeast Asia, the Championship was designed to identify, support, and celebrate trailblazing start-ups in agritech, food sustainability, health and wellness, and deep technology from Seed to Series A. A structured competition at the event also provided start-ups with the opportunity to connect with investors and corporates, gain exposure, raise funds, and pilot projects. The Grand Championship featured more than 60 teams.  A total of 10 awards have been given out, where prizes include investment term sheets worth about S$3.5 million from pledging VCs, such as First Frontier Ventures, Pine Ventures, TLA (Temasek Lifesciences Accelerator), Elev8, etc. Additionally, Founder's Hub featured over 5 hours of content from 35 international speakers across 13 sessions, encouraging knowledge exchange, collaboration, and inspiration among the next generation of agri-food disruptors. A Living Lab Tech Showcase, featuring Sananbio, an expert in vertical farming and horticultural lighting, offering sustainable bio-based solutions; Inong Agriculture Co Ltd, a Big Data-powered soil microbe expert offering cash-crop-specific solutions that use customized probiotics to boost crop yield; Takamiya, a manufacturer of high-performance greenhouses, demonstrated their latest collaborations. Sanobio's intelligent plant cultivation and LED lighting system were highlights. A new-generation automated plant factory in Fujian Province is currently using this system to produce 1.5 tonnes of vegetables each day for supply to Fuzhou, Xiamen, and Quanzhou.  A variety of engaging formats were used by corporations and industry organizations to showcase and discuss agricultural trends and agritech innovations at the Sandbox, including solo presentations, fireside chats, and panel discussions. Attendees at the event discovered practical solutions for improving crop yield, reducing costs, and understanding agritech solutions.    A combined 30 hours of content were offered across two Sandbox stages on Innovation, Sustainability, and Food Safety. During the conference, 110 speakers from 15 countries and regions shared practical solutions for improving crop yields, reducing costs, and deepening attendees' understanding of agri-tech solutions, as well as presenting the latest agricultural advances, which will be demonstrated by exhibitors. On one of the Sandbox stages, the Climate-Smart Practices Forum featured senior executives from the World Bank, Mars, RIZE, Mae Fah Luang Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The executives shared their expertise on topics such as agricultural decarbonisation and digital transformation, as well as the convergence of agriculture and the Blue Economy. The discussion was staged on the background that the integration of ocean resource stewardship and environmental sustainability has gained traction for its potential to promote sustainable development, address climate change, and enhance food security. The Sandbox also hosted The Agri-Food Tech Demo Day, allowing founders to gain visibility, attract investors, and build relationships with industry leaders who can help propel their businesses forward. Teams from RP Trendlines' Agri-Food Tech Incubation Programme - a collaboration between Republic Polytechnic (RP) and Trendlines Agrifood - presented innovation-driven ideas to a judging panel for cash prizes worth more than S$150,000. Agri-Food Tech Demo Day featured finalist teams from Republic Polytechnic's (RP) Agri-Food Tech Incubation Programme and Trendlines Agrifood's Agri-Food Tech Incubation Programme. Over S$150,000 in cash and in-kind prizes were up for grabs for these innovative teams. Founders had the opportunity to gain visibility, attract investors, and build partnerships with industry leaders who can help propel their businesses forward during the event. Start-up Pavillions: AFTEA 2024 brought together a variety of innovative solutions and technologies across eight key profiles, exploring groundbreaking advancements and opportunities in agri-food technology namely, Aquaculture , Food Safety & Security, Novel Food Technology, Novel Food, Alternative Proteins & Sustainable Food, Smart Processing & Packaging, Sustainability & Resource Management, Technological solutions, Urban/Smart Farming. The AFTEA provided an opportunity for agribusiness players to increase their market share, forge partnerships, expand opportunities, and collaborate across sectors in order to meet regional agri-food demands. AFTEA  platform leveraging Singapore as the springboard for access to Asia's high-potential markets for agri-food tech and food-tech sectors, AFTEA's Agri-Food Tech World Championship is an important step toward empowering start-ups. A robust support system is being built to help start-ups overcome barriers to entry, scale sustainably, and address food security needs with more than S$3 million in investment and access to VCs, accelerators, and industry leaders. As part of this initiative, Innovate 360 reaffirms its commitment to nurturing innovative solutions that can transform agriculture and food systems in the future. At the startup pavilion, attendees had the opportunity to learn about groundbreaking, diverse solutions that are shaping the future of agri-food through food accelerators Impact Circle, SPACE-F, HAOSHI Accelerator, and Innovate 360. A few of the projects include a biomimetic underground irrigation system and an artificial sense platform, a protein-based sugar alternative with zero calories utilizing precision fermentation, and drone technology for spraying insecticides.    AFTEA was also an ideal platform for collaborations and alliances of companies with diverse backgrounds which can complement each other for a synergetic growth in the Agri-Food tech industry globally.  For instance, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Direct Carbon and ARIANETECH PTE LTD in collaboration that marks a significant milestone in Direct Carbon's mission to help indoor growers transition to circular farming practices with our sustainable CO2 enrichment solutions. In South East Asia, Arianetech aims to empower local growers to adopt carbon-neutral practices and attain sustainable growth.  International Pavillions: As an international sourcing platform for agri-food and agri-tech solutions, AFTEA displays agri-food technologies and agri-food solutions from exhibitors worldwide. A number of notable global and federal agencies, including the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Singapore, co-exhibited at AFTEA 2024. The Netherlands Pavilion was inaugurated by Ambassador Anneke Adema and followed by a seminar covering high-tech farming and alternative proteins. Dutch and Singaporean agri-tech companies, Light4Food, DanDutcH ApS and SG VEG, participated in a discussion on the successful application of agri-tech in Singapore and the region. As part of their food-tech solutions, Vivici and TNO presented precision-fermented milk proteins and 3D food printing, respectively. The French Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (FCCS) organized the French Pavilion, officiated by His Excellency Minh Di Tang, French Ambassador to Singapore, to showcase groundbreaking innovations in sustainable food and agri-technology by leading French companies. Among the notable innovations were those from MYCOPHYTO, POITTEMILL - FORPLEX, and Genopole. In conjunction with the Singapore International Agri-Food Week (SIAW), the BritCham Agri-Food Tech Expo Asia showcased cutting-edge agri-food and food technology, innovative food solutions, and global investment opportunities to forge new partnerships, discover new sales channels, and accelerate your business growth. The Spanish Embassy's pavilion explored the innovation and regulation landscape in foodtech for other Asia-Pacific countries including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, and Vietnam. An overview of Exhibitors and Visitors: AFTEA 2024 featured over 300 exhibitors showcasing the latest advances and innovations in the key exhibit themes, including pavilions from France, Hungary, Israel, Japan, Singapore, Spain, Sweden and The Netherlands, as well as leading industry companies including DPR, Dragino, Eurofins, Grain Arianetech, JS Biosciences, Nexton, Priva, SCIEX, and Shenzhen FY Lighting. Around 100 start-ups were among the exhibitors, contributing to what is considered the largest ecosystem for agrifood and agritechnology start-ups in Southeast Asia. A total of eight profiles were showcased by AFTEA's exhibitors: Novel Food Technology, Smart & Urban Farming, Novel Food, Alternative Proteins & Sustainable Food, Aquaculture, Food Safety & Security, Sustainability & Resource Management, Technological Solutions, Aquaculture. Many new international groups also exhibited, including ones from Japan, South Korea, Sweden, and Taiwan. Gold Partner Nurasa returned to AFTEA this year with its network of collaborators and start-ups dedicated to advancing holistic nutrition and driving sustainable innovation. • Agri-Tech Companies: These are businesses that develop and offer innovative agricultural technologies, products, and services. • Food Manufacturers and Processors: Companies involved in food production, processing, and packaging. • Agribusinesses: Entities engaged in agriculture-related activities, such as farming, distribution, and logistics. Products include seeds, fertilisers, services like crop management and supply chain solutions. • Start-ups: They bring fresh ideas, novel technologies and solutions. • Research Institutions and Universities: Organisations contributing to agri-food research and development. • Farmers and Growers: Farmers, growers, or anyone involved in crop or livestock production. • Food Industry Professionals: Including chefs, food safety experts, brand owners, retail chains, and supply chain managers. • Food Manufacturers and Processors: Sourcing leading-edge technologies, ingredients, and equipment to enhance their own operations. • Government Representatives: Policymakers, regulators, and officials shaping the agri-food sector. • Investors: Those interested in funding agri-food tech startups and projects. • Academics and Students: Interested in learning about the latest advancements in agri-food tech. Further, Singaporean public, private, and academic institutions showcased their innovations at AFTEA 2024.  A*STAR SIFBI (Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation) presented their research, an opportunity to gain insight into how our organization is driving resilience and sustainability. The SIFBI has strengthened its efforts by developing value-added ingredients tailored to Asian palates through sustainable ingredient innovation and ??????? ??? ????????? ????????? through fermentation to enhance food experiences and promote health and wellness. The multidisciplinary approach to supporting a sustainable agri-food ecosystem with food valorization initiatives - bio-converting our agrifood waste into aquafeed and tailoring future food designs to consumer needs.  The 4th edition of Agri-Food Tech Asia Expo 2025 (AFTEA) is returning with all its glory again on 4-6 November 2025, at Singapore’s Sands Expo & Convention Centre  (Halls A & B).  ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/2200/philippines-stakeholders-are-charting-the-future-of-digital-agriculture-says-irri.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/2200/philippines-stakeholders-are-charting-the-future-of-digital-agriculture-says-irri.html Mon, 10 Jun 2024 11:02:08 +0530 Policymakers, scientists, technology experts, and farmers convened to contextualize the current landscape, identify barriers and opportunities, and chart the future of digital agriculture in the Philippines The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna became a hub of digital agricultural innovation as it hosted the Philippine leg of the highly anticipated ICTforAg 2024. This year’s theme, “Localizing Impact through Inclusion, Inspiration, and Innovation,” underscored the need to tailor digital solutions to local agricultural landscapes' unique challenges and opportunities.  Co-hosted by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) and the Department of Agriculture Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI), ICTforAg kicked off with an opening program where Dr. Yvonne Pinto, IRRI Director General warmly welcomed the participants, and highlighted IRRI’s commitment to driving digital innovation in the sector “Together, we are leveraging information and communication technologies to drive transformative change in the agriculture sector,” she stated. The event, attended by a diverse mix of policymakers, researchers, farmers, and technology enthusiasts, showcased the intersection of agriculture and technology in the Philippines. An exhibit viewing session also commenced where attendees explored cutting-edge technologies and initiatives that promise to transform agriculture. The keynote address, delivered by Engr. Christopher Morales, DA Undersecretary for Rice Industry Development, discussed the government’s efforts to integrate digital tools into rice farming practices. “As we look to the future, we envision a Philippine agriculture sector where digital technologies are a cornerstone of our national growth. However, this journey cannot be without challenges, and we must address issues such as digital literacy among farmers, infrastructure limitations, and data security,” said Usec. Christopher Morales. In the face of climate change and fluctuating market prices, a shift to a more digital landscape in the agriculture sector can highly benefit farmers. In the Philippines, high labor costs are key factors in the country's lower rice production efficiency. To remain competitive, farmers can adopt ICT tools such as satellite remote sensing, drone mapping, and digital literacy programs. These technologies can boost yields, enhance productivity, and ensure food security. Through several breakout sessions and plenary talks, ICTforAg delved into these various innovative projects and programs revolutionizing agriculture in the Philippines. Topics like linking producers and consumers through digital platforms, data-driven decision-making, and the digital agriculture landscape in the Philippines, highlighting tools like D4AgPH and the Global Market Intelligence Platform (GloMIP), showcased innovative applications of precision spraying using vision-based velocity estimation. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/1744/chinese-aseptic-packaging-firm-shandong-newjf-enters-liquid-packaging-market-viz-dairy-and-beverages.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/1744/chinese-aseptic-packaging-firm-shandong-newjf-enters-liquid-packaging-market-viz-dairy-and-beverages.html Mon, 22 Jan 2024 08:09:24 +0530 Leading aseptic packaging enterprise acquired 28.22% stake in Greatview Aseptic Packaging As one of the largest dairy and milk consumers in the world, with an annual industry growth rate of about 10%, China has in recent years set its sights on aseptic packaging, an unassuming but critical phase for the milk industrial chain, which aroused market attention as Chinese companies strategize to break foreign monopoly through business mergers and acquisitions. Chinese leading aseptic packaging enterprise Shandong NewJF Technology Packaging Co., Ltd (NEWJF) has now acquired 28.22% stake in Greatview Aseptic Packaging to boost NEWJF's competitiveness in the liquid product packaging market. The acquisition helped NEWJF resolve overcapacity issues with Mengniu and enhance production efficiency by adopting a universal management system. The collaboration between the two leading companies also facilitated the healthy development of the industry, moving away from price wars.Greatview Aseptic Packaging accounts for about 40% of products of Mengniu, and is also the core supplier of New Hope Dairy and its wholly-owned subsidiaries Xiajin Milk. "NEWJF values this cooperation opportunity, and is willing to explore the aseptic packaging sector providing clients and industry with better services. It is our right to appoint directors as the largest shareholder and we believe that diversifying Greatview's board of directors will expedite its sustainable development" explains NEWJF office. Founded in 2007, NEWJF, listed on the Growth Enterprise Market of the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in September 2, 2022, witnessed consecutive revenue growth from 2020 to 2022. Analysts believe that the acquisition will facilitate NEWJF in further exploring international markets. NEWJF became qualified provider of aseptic packaging material for Yili in 2009 and it solidified its ties when Yili bought a 20% stake in NEWJF in August 2015.  While Yili's current stake has been reduced to less than 5% at present, it still remains NEWJF's largest client, generating 70% the packaging company's revenue. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/1638/trouw-nutrition-to-chair-pathways-to-dairy-net-zero-animal-nutrition-workstream.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/1638/trouw-nutrition-to-chair-pathways-to-dairy-net-zero-animal-nutrition-workstream.html Wed, 20 Dec 2023 08:19:05 +0530 Dairy is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, representing 2.5% of global emissions – so lowering its impact is an urgent priority. Trouw Nutrition and the Global Dairy Platform (GDP) have agreed to collaborate on a global pre-competitive Animal Nutrition Workstream to help support and guide research on innovative solutions to decarbonise the dairy sector. Developed as part of the Pathways to Dairy Net Zero (P2DNZ) initiative, the task force will provide leadership in the dairy nutrition space, focusing on opportunities to minimise the environmental impact of dairy production through innovative forage, feed and feeding developments and technologies. To launch this partnership, GDP and Trouw Nutrition will host two P2DNZ webinars on January 17. The GDP is a dairy value chain organisation whose members collaborate pre-competitively to address issues important to the industry. GDP developed the P2DNZ initiative, a growing global movement dedicated to reducing dairy’s greenhouse gas emissions over the next 30 years by accelerating action against climate change throughout the dairy sector. Over 200 organisations, representing nearly 40% of global milk production, have already signed on. The immediate goals of the new Animal Nutrition Workstream include:  Identifying high-impact development areas and assembling workstreams to address them Creating a pre-competitive and collaborative forum to identify and address barriers to implementing and scaling solutions Demonstrating the dairy sector's commitment to achieving sustainability goals JJ Degan, Ruminant Manager of Global Strategic Marketing at Trouw Nutrition, said" At Trouw Nutrition, we are committed to investing in improving the future of dairy farming. We believe that the P2DNZ’s collaborative and pre-competitive approach will enable us to collectively identify game-changing opportunities that will help us move the needle on the urgent task of reducing the dairy sector’s climate impact while also increasing the supply and access of nutritious dairy foods to a growing global population". A critical and urgent challenge The dairy sector supports one billion people’s livelihoods while also providing nutritious dairy products to billions across the globe. It will play a critical role in helping to achieve Nutreco’s purpose of Feeding the Future: ensuring the 10 billion people on the planet in 2050 have enough high-quality nutrients to thrive. But at the same time, dairy is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, representing 2.5% of global emissions – so lowering its impact is an urgent priority. Degan explained the focus on animal nutrition is an important part of the solution, noting that, “roughly 40% of greenhouse gas emissions on dairy farms are related to feeding cattle, and about another 40% of emissions come from enteric methane. The Animal Nutrition Workstream will work on reducing these impact areas.” Donald Moore, GDP Executive Director, said, "We know all the good that dairy can do in the world. Now we need to be sure that, as we move forward, we’re making the dairy sector as environmentally, socially, economically and nutritionally sustainable as we can. This is a key component of the P2DNZ program and this newest workstream. We’re excited to collaborate with the team at Trouw Nutrition to tap into their expertise on how innovative animal nutrition solutions can help us lower emissions". “Driving dairy sustainability is a complex task that will require collaboration across the value chain, so we urge other players in the chain to join us on this journey. We can go much further together than alone, and it’s critical to the future of our industry – and the planet – that our work has a real impact,” said Degan. GDP and Trouw Nutrition will be hosting two P2DNZ webinars on January 17 to dive into how the animal nutrition industry is contributing to our global sustainability goals and how we can take the next steps on this journey in the area of cow feed, and to introduce the Animal Nutrition Workstream.   ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/1540/ragt-australia-acquires-basfs-open-pollinated-wheat-seed-assets.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/1540/ragt-australia-acquires-basfs-open-pollinated-wheat-seed-assets.html Wed, 15 Nov 2023 10:54:55 +0530 RAGT invests in domestic wheat breeding in Australia RAGT AUSTRALIA, part of the global RAGT SEMENCES, European market leader in cereals, has announced acquisition of BASF’s open-pollinated wheat seed assets in Australia. “This new acquisition fits perfectly in our multi species strategy and reinforces our commitment in bringing innovative solutions to Australian farmers and our Partners” said Samuel Gasté, New Markets Territory Director at RAGT SEMENCES. “It will bring another level of genetic diversity in our global cereal offer.” After the Seed Force integration, which became RAGT AUSTRALIA on January 1st, 2023, RAGT confirms its ambition in Australia by investing in domestic wheat breeding. “Already rich in a recognized portfolio in malt barley, canola, and fodder species, we are convinced that our new wheat range will strengthen our cooperation with the Australian farming industry and our local partners,” said Damien Robert, CEO of RAGT SEMENCES. He added, “This new acquisition complements our existing wheat breeding programs with unique germplasm and will have a positive impact on our worldwide cereals footprint.” RAGT AUSTRALIA General Manager, Dale Skepper noted “this is a mature breeding program that has already delivered commercial products and a pipeline flow that appears to be rich with genetics well matched to the Australian market. We’re excited to secure this opportunity to launch into the spring white wheat segment, adding to our existing activities in the market. Our team looks forward to working with partners and providing well adapted solutions to Australian farmers, that potentially extend across the globe.” Skepper emphasised as part of this acquisition, team welcomed the architect of the program and senior plant breeder, Maqbool Ahmad to continue to steward the program into the future. RAGT Australia, is a rapidly growing Australian seed business, breeding, screening and supplying premium cultivars across Australia. The business is 100% focused on assisting growers and processors increase productivity and profitability. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/1353/pairwise-and-bayer-jointly-extend-crispr-innovations-in-short-stature-corn.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/1353/pairwise-and-bayer-jointly-extend-crispr-innovations-in-short-stature-corn.html Fri, 01 Sep 2023 09:18:52 +0530 Bayer’s Preceon™ Smart Corn System to CRISPR  Pairwise’s Fulcrum™ platform inks five-year collaboration to further advance short-stature corn Pairwise and Bayer have signed a new five-year multi-million Dollar collaboration to further advance short-stature corn. New agreement will focus on CRISPR applications for Bayer’s Preceon™ Smart Corn System. Collaboration builds on successful initial gene-editing partnership between the two companies that resulted in 27 novel traits being transferred into Bayer’s testing programs. Pairwise, a food and agriculture company known for bringing the first gene-edited food to the U.S. market, and Bayer partnership focused on innovations in short-stature corn. This new program leverages Pairwise’s Fulcrum™ platform and builds on the success of the companies’ initial five-year collaboration for corn, soy, wheat, cotton, and canola. Pairwise and Bayer partnership will be focused on optimizing and enhancing gene-edited short-stature corn for future use in Bayer’s Preceon™ Smart Corn System. Short-stature corn – with a targeted height of 30 to 40 % less than traditional corn – is an innovative new approach to growing corn and offers a number of sustainability benefits, including protections from crop loss due to increasingly severe weather events and extreme winds brought about by climate change. Short-stature corn also allows for more precise application of inputs throughout the growing season, sustainably growing more through reduced risk of crop loss. The initial five-year collaboration focused on corn, soy, wheat, cotton and canola with the aim of empowering producers to grow more with fewer inputs on the same amount of land. The partnership, which concluded in June 2023, resulted in 27 novel traits being transferred into Bayer’s testing programs. Results of the program demonstrated significant commercial value including edited corn phenotypes with a 20 percent increase in kernel row numbers, which could lead to significantly more yield on the same number of acres. Another outcome has been edited soy that reduces the severity of Asian soybean rust, potentially reducing the need for fungicides to combat the disease and protecting the potential for higher yields. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/1263/agrofresh-expands-horticulture-grapes-and-berries-footprints-globally-including-china-and-australia.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/1263/agrofresh-expands-horticulture-grapes-and-berries-footprints-globally-including-china-and-australia.html Fri, 04 Aug 2023 11:09:42 +0530 AgroFresh, acquires Tessara to expand its impact in reducing food waste and advancing freshness in key growing regions. AgroFresh, a global AgTech leader in post-harvest freshness solutions, acquires Tessara, a provider of post-harvest solutions, to expand its impact in reducing food waste and advancing freshness in key growing regions. The acquisition marks a global expansion into table grapes and berries of AgroFresh’s food waste reduction and freshness solutions. Global investment firm Carlyle facilitated the acquisition who acquired majority ownership of Tessara in 2018. The acquisition expands AgroFresh’s footprint in food waste reduction and freshness solutions for table grapes and berries and bolsters the organization’s impact in growing regions in South Africa, China, Australia, and South America. Clinton Lewis, CEO at AgroFresh.  “The acquisition is a perfect fit given Tessara’s and AgroFresh’s alignment on leveraging science-based solutions to advance freshness across the global produce industry and we will bringing the innovative team at Tessara onboard.” Tessara is a global leader in post-harvest preservation solutions and provider of SO2 solutions for table grapes, berries, and flowers, protecting more than $3 billion worth of fresh produce annually in more than 30 countries. AgroFresh is an AgTech innovator and global leader with a mission to prevent food loss/waste and conserve the planet’s resources by providing a range of science-based solutions, data-driven digital technologies and high-touch customer services. AgroFresh supports growers, packers and retailers with solutions across the food supply chain to enhance the quality and extend the shelf life of fresh produce. AgroFresh has been a pioneer in post-harvest technology for over 20 years and got its start with the commercialization of the SmartFreshTM Quality System, the industry leading post-harvest solution to maintain produce freshness and quality, which is now used in over 50 countries across multiple crops including apples, pears, plums, kiwis, mangos, broccoli, and avocados.  AgroFresh’s comprehensive portfolio has expanded to include plant-based coatings, antimicrobial solutions, equipment, and digital platforms that help improve quality and reduce waste across the supply chain from harvest to home. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/1190/corteva-secures-exclusive-rights-to-develop-and-commercialize-lavie-bios-bio-fungicides.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/1190/corteva-secures-exclusive-rights-to-develop-and-commercialize-lavie-bios-bio-fungicides.html Wed, 19 Jul 2023 07:59:00 +0530 Corteva to receive exclusive rights to further develop and commercialize Lavie Bio's lead product candidates for fruit rot and powdery mildew fungicide biologicals Lavie Bio Ltd., a subsidiary of Evogene Ltd., and a leading ag-biologicals company that develops microbiome-based, computational driven bio-stimulant and bio-pesticide novel products, announced today a licensing agreement with Corteva Inc., a leading ag innovation company. The agreement grants Corteva exclusive rights to further develop and commercialize the lead bio-fungicide product candidates targeting fruit rots and powdery mildew, which were discovered and developed by Lavie Bio. The agreement comes after two years of independent field validation conducted by both companies. Fruit rots and powdery mildew, two destructive diseases affecting vineyards, fruits, and vegetables, have resulted in annual losses estimated at billions of dollars globally. Fruit rot pathogens, such as Botrytis, can cause damage upon contact with infected plant material. Meanwhile, powdery mildew spreads swiftly between plants via wind-dispersed spores. The agreement is part of Lavie Bio's strategy to cooperate with the world's leading companies to allow the products it develops to reach farmers worldwide and Corteva, with its proven agbiological capabilities, can leverage Lavie Bio's product candidates toward commercial success. This collaboration demonstrates both companies' commitment to providing farmers with environmentally friendly, sustainable tools with proven effectiveness. "Our licensing agreement solidifies the collaboration between both companies, leveraging Corteva's impressive scale-up capabilities and market leadership, in conjunction with Lavie Bio's distinctive discovery expertise powered by Evogene's MicroBoost AI tech-engine and comprehensive product development capabilities" said Amit Noam, CEO of Lavie Bio. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/995/global-horticulture-suppliers-greenv-acquires-green-simplicity.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/995/global-horticulture-suppliers-greenv-acquires-green-simplicity.html Mon, 29 May 2023 10:06:44 +0530 Group takes major stride forward by adding in-house knowledge and technology for crop-specific research and daylight-free cultivation. GreenV, the internationally operating group of horticulture suppliers, will acquire a 100% stake in Green Simplicity, a Netherlands-based relatively young knowledge and technology company founded in 2014. Green Simplicity Research offers research systems that enable clients to determine the ideal growth conditions for crop cultivation in a fully controlled environment. The primary focus of Green Simplicity Concepts is on the development of concepts and the implementation of large-scale controlled daylight-free agricultural systems. Green Simplicity Research's research systems let growers and breeders test the performance of their own crops in a (fully) controlled environment with a variety of variables, like LED lighting, humidity, irrigation, CO2 and temperature. Using a single variable such as dehumidification or lighting, or a fully controlled environment in an automated multi-layered cultivation system without daylight, Green Simplicity Concepts can offer a suitable solution for production upscaling. The acquisition will enable GreenV to acquire a comprehensive set of knowledge and technology which it will use in the development of new cultivation concepts aimed at maximizing crop yields by utilizing a variety of innovations in automation, climate control, lighting and software. These innovations will accelerate crop growth and yield in both environments with and without daylight (conventional greenhouses and indoor farms). A new innovative 'hub' within GreenV, Green Simplicity will collaborate closely with the indoor farming activities, as well as other group companies: Prins Group and Prins USA (greenhouse construction), Stolze (installation engineering), HT Verboom (internal transport systems), Voshol Warmte- en Elektrotechniek and JV Energy Solutions (climate and installation engineering). Wessel van Paassen, founder and director of Green Simplicity, said "Collaboration with these companies opens up unprecedented opportunities for the future. In the past, we have worked with HT Verboom on several projects, so we were already familiar with GreenV. Currently, we are a small knowledge, data, and technology company. By joining GreenV, we not only gain access to a wide range of relationships and potential clients, but also are able to deliver and scale up our concepts and test environments on site for clients". ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/975/bosch-basf-integrates-precision-spraying-technology-with-cnh-industrials-global-agriculture-brands.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/975/bosch-basf-integrates-precision-spraying-technology-with-cnh-industrials-global-agriculture-brands.html Wed, 24 May 2023 09:36:57 +0530 Integration of ONE SMART SPRAY technology with CNH Industrial’s global Case IH and New Holland Agriculture brands maximizes herbicide spraying potential ONE SMART SPRAY, a joint venture between Bosch and BASF, will be integrated into CNH Industrial's agricultural brand product portfolios. Integration of the ONE SMART SPRAY solution will be led by the Raven team at CNH Industrial, with the unique technology to be commercially available in sprayers from the company’s global Case IH and New Holland Agriculture brands. The smart spraying solution ONE SMART SPRAY integration will enhance the precision and automated spraying capabilities of CNH Industrial. The cameras will be mounted on the boom of a sprayer in order to accomplish this. This will provide customers with green-on-green (plant on plant) and green-on-brown (plant on soil) weed detection and selective spraying. The use of precision weed mapping, real-time input and cost savings tracking, and automated reporting and data generation are all combined with digital tools and agronomic insights. These deliver farmers clean fields while maximizing herbicide savings, operational efficiency, and sustainability. The ONE SMART SPRAY system also allows farmers to set up their desired spraying operations both in day and night conditions to expand their operating windows. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/967/innovasea-acquires-aquaculture-software-firm-aquanetix.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/142/967/innovasea-acquires-aquaculture-software-firm-aquanetix.html Mon, 22 May 2023 11:16:22 +0530 Opens new office in Greece to add to its presence in Canada, Norway, Chile and Australia Innovasea, a global leader in technologically advanced aquatic solutions for aquaculture and fish tracking, has purchased Aquanetix, a UK-based aquaculture software company, and moved its operations to a new office in Greece. . Headquartered in the United States, Innovasea also has offices in Canada, Norway and Australia and has opened a new office in Corinth, Greece. Aquanetix’s cloud-based aquaculture management software provides deep insights into farm operations. Innovasea has strong portfolio of egg-to-harvest aquaculture solutions. Innovasea’s move into Greece is its second major expansion in the last three years. In 2020 it opened a full service office in Puerto Varas, Chile. Innovasea CEO David Kelly said, “By adding its powerful farm management capabilities to our suite of real-time aquaculture intelligence solutions, we’ll be rounding out our precision aquaculture platform and further helping our customers make data-driven decisions to improve operations, run more efficiently and sustainably and become more profitable.” Aquanetix co-founder and CEO Diogo Thomaz said, "This is a wonderful opportunity for us to make additional investment into our business to enhance our existing tools and better serve our customers.” Aquanetix’s farm management software is in use at more than 200 farms in 31 countries and is currently being used to grow more than 30 species of fish and shrimp. By offering it alongside Realfish Pro, Innovasea now has a complete suite of precision aquaculture tools that can handle all aspects of running a fish farm – from real-time environmental monitoring and control capabilities to powerful analytics that improve operations and decision-making. Kelly said Innovasea’s footprint in Greece will help it execute on its growth strategy in key markets like the Mediterranean and Middle East while better serving existing customers in those areas. ]]>