Crop protection giant Syngenta has sold its US fresh produce business, Dulcinea Farms, to grower and marketer Pacific Trellis for an undisclosed sum.
The deal is expected to be closed by the end of 2013.
Syngenta and Pacific Trellis have also signed a long-term supply agreement meaning Syngenta will continue to provide Dulcinea with mini-watermelon and specialty melon seed varieties.
Syngenta chief operating officer, Davor Pisk, said: 'The sale will allow Syngenta to focus on bringing innovation to growers and the food value chain in our core vegetables business. Pacific Trellis is the best partner to provide Dulcinea with the expertise needed to achieve greater scale and long-term business growth.'
Based in California, Dulcinea was formed in 2004 initially to supply mini-watermelon and specialty melon genetics directly to consumers through retail chains.
Syngenta took full control of the company in 2005 and annual sales have since increased to around $80 million.
