New berry company formed by merger

The Boards of KG Growers Limited, Driscoll Strawberry Associates Inc and Alconera SAT have announced their intention to merge their European sales and marketing and breeding activities into a new business.

The new company will market and breed berry varieties for the benefit of the European market.

The proposed merger will bring together the UK based berry marketing businesses of KG Fruits Limited and Alconeras UK Limited and the Netherlands-based marketing company, Berry Alliance BV, which is jointly owned by Driscoll Strawberry Associates Inc and Alconera SAT. Breeding and genetic development undertaken by Driscoll European Genetics BV and KG Growers Limited’s berry breeding programme will form part of the merged entity.

“The parties have longstanding and trusted relationships and are excited at the opportunities that this new venture will present for consumers, retailers, suppliers and growers,” said a statement.

The merged venture is expected to commence during the first quarter of 2007.