Agro Sélections Fruits SAS (ASF), a French company leader in the business of breeding of stone fruit (peach, nectarine, apricot), cherries and apples, founded and managed by Arsène et Laurence Maillard, and Frutaria, one of the most important fruit and vegetables organizations in Spain, with a global distribution, have announced the conclusion of an ambitious strategic agreement.
The objective of the agreement is to boost and support the international development of the portfolio of varieties created by ASF, multiplying its financial, operational and commercial capabilities, allowing it to take a new step in its contribution to the players in the world fruit industry, as well as to consumers and the modern distribution.
This agreement will guarantee maintenance in the long term of the Maillard family as shareholders of ASF, with Laurence Maillard keeping the position of Managing Director, the merge of the hybridization and selection programs of ASF and Frutaria under the operational management of ASF in Elne, push and support of the brand strategy REGAL'IN TM, commitment to taste and quality, initiated by ASF, and maintenance of all contractual agreements with the partners of ASF. At the financial and capital level, the agreement will guarantee a majority investment of the SAMCA Group in ASF.
Laurence Maillard, General Director of ASF commented: “We are very happy with this agreement that will mark a new stage in the development of new varieties for ASF. It is true that ASF has experienced a large international scale development in recent years, which is still going to accelerate more with the introduction of new varieties such as flat and red flesh nectarines or our new scab-resistant apple. In any case, the time has come to settle our development in an intense and at the same time sustainable way with the incorporation of a strategic partner. The alliance projected with Frutaria responds to these objectives. SAMCA is a family own business group that has managed to grow and diversify itself while maintaining its total independence, and with whom we share the essential values regarding innovation, management and strategy.”
Alfonso Rivera, General Director of Grupo Frutaria, has declared: "We are very satisfied with the agreement. From the point of view of R & D, the fact of internalizing a very competitive business of improvement and varietal edition, will put in value our latent capacities in the matter of varietal development. Especially our improvement programs in plum-plumcot, and yellow clingstones peaches, will now acquire a new competitive push at both levels, the edition-diffusion and at hybridization.”
“Likewise, being able to participate, always together with other companies in the sector, in the creation of new milestones in the stone fruit, apple or cherry fruit business will, without doubt, reinforce our competitive strategy.
We anticipate a high success of the new launch of the new range of red flesh nectarines and flat nectarines, about to be launched with selective diffusion and under the brand umbrella REGAL'IN TM".
About ASF
ASF is a French company and a leading player in fruit innovation at an international level, at the same time a breeder and editor of its own varieties. ASF has today protected more than 180 varieties, and has more than 200 highly promising advanced pre-selections which are in the experimentation phase.
A meticulous and thoughtful work that has put the consumer at the center of its improvement objectives (taste, texture, and practicality of consumption ...), all while adapting the product proposal to the objectives of the producers (rustic varieties throughout the season), and the new challenges imposed by the need to reduce phytosanitary protection. This last factor constitutes a general awareness and a new global challenge, and the founders of ASF have been precursors of this reflection.
ASF is at the origin of the REGAL'IN TM concept, which is currently unique in the world in the fruit sector. Through this label, an exceptional flavor is guaranteed to the consumer in all ranges of fruit offered.
ASF has a turnover of 2.6 million euros and employs 26 people.
About Frutaria, an agricultural division of the SAMCA Group
Frutaria is one of the most important fruit and vegetable organizations in Spain with a clear differentiation strategy based on five fundamental pillars: innovation, a significant and differentiated multi-product proposal, integral process control, a committed human team and a diversified portfolio of markets.
Frutaria produces and markets 120Mkgs annually, employs 1,850 people directly and has a turnover of € 100M.
The SAMCA Group is a diversified family own business group, with a leadership position in the sectors in which it is present, thanks to its constant reinvestment of funds generated in research and development.
The SAMCA Group has a turnover close to €850M and employs about 3,500 people in Spain, France, Italy, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico and Peru.
For more information:
Agro Sélection Fruits
La Prada de Mosseillous
CS 70 001
66201 Elne CEDEX
France
Frutaria
Avda. César Augusto, 3, 7º B
50.004-Zaragoza
Spain