US-based berry breeder Driscoll’s has announced the acquisition of the non-farming assets of Alconeras and its 20 per cent shareholding in Driscoll’s of Europe from 1 January 2011.
The Alconeras business includes Alconeras Morocco, as well as Alconeras Spain and Alconeras Nursery.
Driscoll’s is planning new varieties to meet and build demand in its various markets. This includes product sold in both mainland Europe and the UK.
Nick Marston, md of Berry Gardens, said the merger would not change its relationship with Driscoll’s. “This acquisition of the rights to commercialise Driscoll’s material in Spain and Morocco will be very beneficial to our UK business in the longer term,” he stressed. “It will result in a well planned and coherent development of Driscoll’s variety production from all sources to meet Berry Gardens’ and the UK market’s year round needs.”
