Simplot Set to Acquire Seed Potato Production Business Agronico

Simplot has entered into an agreement to acquire the business and property assets of Agronico, a seed potato producer in Tasmania, subject to regulatory approvals, including clearance from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB).

The acquisition represents a strategic move by Simplot to secure the ongoing supply of minitubers for the industry and to build Simplot’s capability in early-generation seed potato production. This acquisition means Simplot will have commercial-scale capability and expertise across the entire frozen potato value chain.

"We are delighted to welcome the Agronico team into the Simplot family," said Dane Smith, Senior Director Operations, Asia Pacific for Simplot. Agronico has been a long-time supplier to Simplot of minitubers, potato seed, and cool storage services. "The combination of Simplot’s expertise with Agronico's unique capabilities will enable us to provide enhanced value to our customers and partners."

Established in 1985, Agronico is one of a few large-scale Australian suppliers of minitubers, relating to both proprietary and non-proprietary varieties and is the only supplier using hydroponics to improve yield. Agronico produces nearly a quarter of a million minitubers and 8,000 tonnes of seed potatoes annually.

On announcing the decision to sell, Judith Shaw, Agronico Managing Director, said of her late husband, “Julian built this business with a passion for Tasmanian agriculture and a focus on research and development over 35 years, and we are confident that Simplot will continue his commitment and legacy. It is especially pleasing for Agronico to be joining an organisation that is clearly invested in the long-term viability of Tasmania’s potato industry.”

This acquisition and ongoing investment in the region further reflect Simplot’s long-term commitment to Tasmania’s potato and vegetable industry.

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About Simplot

The J.R. Simplot Company is an international food and agriculture company. In Australia, our operations encompass potato, vegetable, seafood and sauce operations that supply frozen, shelf-stable and chilled products to Australia’s major retail and foodservice markets. We are home to some of Australia’s favourite food brands, including Leggo’s, Birds Eye, Edgell, John West and Chiko. We have five Australian manufacturing sites, employ almost 2,000 Australians, and source 400,000 tonnes of Australian-grown vegetables every year from our Aussie growers. For more information visit: www.simplot.com.au

About Agronico

Agronico is Australia’s only end-to-end, fully integrated seed potato operator. It operates an AUSPICA-accredited tissue laboratory, holding about 150 different potato varieties. They import and export tissue for clients, as well as producing material for the minituber production facility.

Agronico operates Australia’s most advanced hydroponic minituber production facility, producing about 250,000 minitubers each year for clients across Australia, as well as for its own seed production program. They grow over 8,000 tonnes of certified seed potatoes each year. 

Formed in 1985, Agronico is privately held with offices in Leith and Spreyton Tasmania. For more information visit www.agronico.com.au

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