Einbeck, February 6, 2008 - KWS SAAT AG and the Dutch family owned business van Rijn, intend to set up a 50:50 joint venture in the breeding, production and marketing of seed potatoes worldwide.
The company is due to start selling seed potatoes in 60 countries on July 1, 2008 (beginning of the 2008/2009 KWS fiscal year). The partners bring their extensive breeding experience, technological know-how and a broad portfolio of processing and table potatoes into the joint venture. In addition, the existing international sales structures of the two organizations will be used. The plan is to achieve a sales volume of around €30 million in the first year.
Potatoes are an important product for human consumption, as well as for industrial use. Therefore, for KWS, the potato market represents an international, strategic business area with considerable growth potential, especially in Central and Eastern Europe.
More about van Rijn
