BRANDT forms joint venture in Greece

Dec 06, 2024
By Farms.com

New joint venture brings BRANDT to Greece

BRANDT, a leading global manufacturer of agricultural input products, has partnered with K&N Efthymiadis to establish a joint venture in Greece named KNE BRANDT. This collaboration aims to distribute BRANDT’s advanced crop nutritional products across the region.

Key products in the joint venture include BRANDT’s proprietary micronutrients, such as Manni-Plex and Smart System, along with innovative specialty products like InVigo and Reaction. These products will be manufactured at BRANDT Europe’s facility in Carmona, Spain, and are expected to arrive in time for the critical spring planting season.

“We are excited to form this strategic partnership with K&NE,” said Rick Brandt, BRANDT President & CEO. “By having this formal JV in place, we will be able to align our interests behind our commitment to satisfy and delight our farmer customers in Greece.”

“BRANDT’s specialty nutritional inputs have proven to be the best in the business and we envisage a significant rise of demand in Greece,” said Vassos Efthymiadis, President & CEO of K&NE. “The BRANDT products will perfectly complement our seed business and our crop protection portfolio. Together, we can offer our farmer customers a full line of input products.”

KNE BRANDT will operate from Thessaloniki, Greece, initially employing eight full-time staff members. A dedicated sales team of five will oversee product representation, while K&NE works to establish a network of retail distribution points to ensure accessibility for farmers.

The joint venture will be managed by a board comprising members from both companies. BRANDT will be represented by Manuel Gonzalez, President of BRANDT Europe, and Christine Bassaber, Regional Sales Director.

This collaboration marks a strategic step in delivering high-quality agricultural solutions to Greek farmers, providing them with a comprehensive range of inputs to enhance productivity and crop health.

Photo Credit: brandt

Video: Why Seed Analysts are Thriving Under Seeds Canada

Last month in Edmonton, Alta., industry leaders and stakeholders gathered to discuss the evolving landscape of the seed industry at Seeds Canada’s annual conference. Among them was Sarah Foster, president of 2020 Seed Labs and the new vice-president of Seeds Canada.

Foster, who has been on the board of Seeds Canada for over a year, has witnessed firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with the formation of the organization. Seeds Canada was established just over three years ago through the merger of multiple seed industry groups, including the Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada (CSAAC). Since then, the organization has been working to define its priorities and solidify its role in the industry.

“The challenge has been allowing the dust to settle after the merger,” Foster explained. “We’ve been focused on identifying what our priorities should be and ensuring that our members, especially the seed analysts, are getting what they need to continue their professional work.”

One of the recent highlights was a pre-conference event where the three major seed labs in Alberta — 20/20 Seed Labs, SGS Canada and Seed Check — opened their doors to members. The event saw a record number of seed analysts and business professionals in attendance. Foster emphasized the importance of this transparency, stating, “It’s crucial for people to see what goes on behind the scenes. We’re an open book now, and that openness helps build trust and understanding within the industry.”

The event also featured an environmental scan and a series of discussions that fostered strong communication among attendees. According to Foster, the dialogue was both encouraging and inspiring.

“A lot of people were really inspired by the fact that Seeds Canada is moving ahead with its agenda. The seed analysts, who have always worked diligently in the background, are now being recognized more prominently,” she said.

Before the merger, seed analysts were represented by CSAAC. Now, as part of Seeds Canada, they are finding their place within the larger organization. Foster believes that the integration has been successful, noting, “I think we’re thriving. You only need to look south of the border, where similar consolidations are happening.”

As Seeds Canada continues to evolve, Foster remains optimistic about the future. “I want to be totally transparent with anyone who is a seed analyst — I’ve got your back. We’re moving in a positive direction, and we’ll do everything we can to meet the needs of our members,” she said.