Key Takeaways:
- A strategic research collaboration between Sumitomo Chemical, Valent BioSciences, and AgroFresh will focus on developing new postharvest solutions.
- Pace International LLC, a subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., is set to join AgroFresh Solutions, Inc., enhancing the postharvest solutions sector.
- This move is part of Sumitomo Chemical’s strategic realignment efforts, aiming to bolster global market access and innovation.
- The acquisition aims to provide a smooth transition for Pace’s employees, customers, and stakeholders, ensuring uninterrupted service and obligations fulfillment.
- The collaboration promises an expanded portfolio of products, services, and digital solutions, targeting enhanced productivity, quality protection, and freshness extension in the fresh produce supply chain.
Strategic Realignment and Collaboration:
Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., and Valent BioSciences LLC have announced a significant strategic realignment within the agricultural technology sector. Pace International LLC (Pace), alongside its overseas operations, is set to become a part of AgroFresh Solutions, Inc., a renowned leader in postharvest solutions. This decision aligns with Sumitomo Chemical’s strategy to streamline its business units and focus on core competencies.
The Integration of Pace with AgroFresh:
“The integration of the Pace business with AgroFresh represents a step forward for both companies, enabling the creation of a postharvest solutions platform with stronger global reach, customer service, and innovation capabilities,” explained Rodrigo Cifuentes, COO of Pace. This merger is anticipated to enhance the service quality and innovation capacity of the combined entity, offering a comprehensive suite of postharvest solutions.
Customer-Centric Approach and Innovation:
Clint Lewis, CEO of AgroFresh, emphasized the customer benefits of this strategic move, stating, “By combining our products, capabilities, and technical expertise, customers will have access to an even broader portfolio of postharvest solutions and digital technologies that can be tailored to their specific crops, operations, and needs.” This integration aims to set new standards in packinghouse efficiencies, quality, and freshness, impacting the fresh produce supply chain positively.
Future Collaborations and Sustainable Solutions:
Valent BioSciences and AgroFresh are committed to accelerating innovation in the postharvest solutions space. Salman Mir, President and CEO of Valent BioSciences, highlighted the future collaboration’s potential, “Combining Valent BioSciences’ expertise in the development of sustainable biorational solutions for food crops with AgroFresh’s expanding global reach and postharvest expertise will help accelerate the launch of the next generation of sustainable postharvest solutions.” This partnership is poised to tackle the most pressing challenges in the freshness protection space, offering sustainable and efficient solutions to the crop and food protection industry.
Valent BioSciences Latest News
New Facility Built In Oregon (2023/09/22)
Valent BioSciences, a subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., is building a new plant in White City, Oregon. The facility aims to produce arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) products that enhance nutrient and water absorption in plants. The AMF products benefit plant growth and carbon sequestration in soil, aligning with Sumitomo Chemical’s sustainability goals. The new facility marks an expansion of Valent BioSciences’ operations in southern Oregon and the company looks forward to fostering new relationships in the years ahead.
Valent BioSciences Unveil New Prairie Park and Solar Field in Iowa (2023/06/27)
Valent BioSciences LLC, a subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd., demonstrated its unwavering commitment to sustainability and corporate social value by officially dedicating a new prairie park and solar field next to its manufacturing facility in Osage, Iowa. The dedication ceremony on June 24th marked a significant milestone in the company’s efforts to promote environmental stewardship and community engagement.
