Acquisition will increase focus on shrinking seed market in Western Europe.
POTATO cooperative Agrico is looking to expand its acreage by acquiring the seed potato activities of The Potato Company (TPC), based in Emmeloord, in the Netherlands.
CEO Mark Zuidhof said: “This acquisition contributes to Agrico’s growth objective in Western Europe’s shrinking seed potato market. This allows us to focus even more strongly on the sales and development of monopoly varieties. TPC’s distribution network to more than 60 countries is also an excellent addition to our sales channels.”
TPC was established almost 20 years ago and has more than 450 hectares of seed potatoes, grown on a pool contract basis. It is also very active in free trade. Its distribution network covers monopoly varieties and free trade varieties. TPC is accomplished at developing potato varieties with broad potato cyst nematode resistance.
TPC will become part of Agrico as a wholly-owned subsidiary.
Owner Gaby Stet said: “I am proud that we have brought the company so far over a period of almost 20 years, and I look forward to further growth and professionalisation along with Agrico. TPC, as a second sales channel within the Agrico group, will also be able to further evolve its international activities. Along with Agrico, we will be able to continue to guarantee the return for our growers and, in terms of sales, we will remain visible under the identity of TPC.”
