NSure, an innovative Dutch company based in Wageningen, has made the first step towards realisation of its ambitious plans for international growth, by attracting a new investor.

The company is a high-tech laboratory for the agro-food industry, and translates state-of-the-art bioscience into practical applications. NSure was established in 2006 by two scientists from Wageningen University and Research Centre.

The company measures and predicts a wide range of quality aspects in fruit, vegetables and ornamentals using a unique, molecular technology. Being highly accurate, the patented NSure method has large advantages over current test methods and has proven to be a solid basis for the commercial success of the company. Six months after the start of the activities, NSure realised the first market introduction in the Netherlands. Since 2008, NSure tests have been sold in other west European countries, such as Germany, Sweden, Austria, Italy and France.

Nsure’s ambitions, however, reach beyond western Europe.

Ceo Dr Monique van Wordragen said: “ Our customers operate in a global market. European retailers source fresh produce from countries such as Chile, South Africa and New Zealand. In order to provide optimal service to our customers, we want to be able to offer our technology in those regions as well.” Next to expanding the service regions for existing tests, NSure will also develop several new assays, aimed specifically at commodities for which post-harvest quality is difficult to control.

To realise the international growth strategy, NSure will invest in laboratory facilities in all major production regions as well as establishing an international sales network. Next to an additional investment of the present shareholders, the capital for these plans will be provided by Madeli.

BV Madeli is owned by the De Ruiter family, which has been involved in the seed business for three generations. Madeli invests in R&D-driven companies in the agro industry. The new shareholder is a strong strategic partner for NSure, because of the broad network and experience in the agro-food business. Madeli will actively contribute to the international development of NSure.

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