Adjuvant and biostimulant specialist Interagro (UK) has been acquired by Nichino Europe Co, a subsidiary of the Japanese multinational Nihon Nohyaku Co.
Nichino says the move will grow the combined product portfolio of both companies, both now and in the future. Continued research and development into new products to support sustainable agriculture globally will benefit consumers in all markets where both businesses and their affiliates are present.
Interagro, based in Bishop’s Stortford, was established in 1994 by agrochemical specialist Mike Roche. Its full product portfolio now includes water conditioners, pod stickers, specialist anti-drift agents, and foliar and seed treatment biostimulants. The company supplies 27 country markets and working in partnership with distributors.
“Our continued investment in R&D and technology, whilst maintaining a strong and positive environmental focus to meet the changing demands of food producers, regulators and consumers, remains core to the delivery of innovative solutions to help ensure high yielding and efficient crop production in the most sustainable way possible,” it says.
Nihon Nohyaku opened its first Nichino Europe office in London in 1992, before moving to its present premises at Histon near Cambridge in 2007. The European arm manages the development, registration and distribution of its parent company’s active ingredients – mainly in top fruit crops and potatoes. It operates through a network of partner customers throughout Europe and beyond.
“I am delighted that Interagro will be passed on to such a strong company with the ability to leverage all the investment made in product and R&D over the years,” says Mr Roche. “With immense personal gratitude to the team, customers and suppliers, I am totally confident of even more successful development of its range in both existing and new global markets in the time ahead.”
For Nichino Europe, managing director Manfred Hilweg adds: “A successful partnership in product distribution is going to be raised to a new level. We are excited to have the opportunity to work with such an experienced, dedicated and successful team to expand our joint businesses. The high quality portfolio of Interagro in adjuvants and biostimulants, will strengthen Nichino’s efforts to support innovative, sustainable agriculture.”