Agriculture specialists Cefetra Ltd is to strengthen its UK operation after agreeing to buy Premium Crops Ltd.
Since 2001, Premium Crops Ltd has established itself as the leading UK arable crop agri-business focused on High Erucic Acid Rapeseed (HEAR), linseed, red wheat, canary seed, millet and naked oats
The takeover will further improve Cefetra’s UK-wide capabilities to purchase grains and oilseeds direct from British farmers.
Andrew Mackay, managing director at Cefetra, comments: “We believe the acquisition of Premium Crops will allow us to add value to the services we offer to our customers, both growers and end users alike.
“We are pleased to partner with a dynamic team that has such a great depth of expertise in speciality crops.
“By diversifying our portfolio with this acquisition, we will be able to offer an even wider range of products and services to both farmers in the UK and our customers across Europe.”
The combination of the two businesses will create a formidable force in the UK’s speciality crops market.
Premium Crops will continue to operate from its existing Hampshire base, maintaining its name and staff.
Andrew Probert, managing director at Premium Crops, adds: “The backing of Cefetra, one of UK agriculture’s strongest businesses, will allow us access to significantly greater resources.
“The partnership enables us to offer our growers an unbeatable range of cropping options, outstanding agronomic support and unrivalled access to premium crop contracts.”
The acquisition, which follows Cefetra’s purchase of Wessex Grain in November 2015, also presents significant new opportunities for growers.
Andrew Probert continues: “Speciality crops provide growers a way to differentiate their products, adding value whilst reducing their risks.
“Demand is growing across multiple industries and we believe these premium crops represent a small yet key component of the future of a diversified and specialised arable agricultural market globally.
“Cefetra will enhance our ability to identify new market opportunities, increase the availability of genetics whilst giving us a greater presence on farm.”
