The purchase boosts PI’s expertise in natural sprout supression technology

Produce Investments (PI) has acquired fixed-crop management systems specialist Biofresh Safestore.

PI is a major player in the potato market

PI is a major player in the potato market

The acquisition adds to a PI portfolio that already includes leading UK potato grower Greenvale, as well as tech-driven agtech business Restrain and agronomy firm Produce Solutions. 

Biofresh Safestore is described as having been at the forefront of sprout control for over 20 years, providing fixed-installation systems for storage facilities across the UK, Europe and Japan.

The company has developed a strong reputation and customer base, PI noted, particularly in France under the leadership of Jeremy Barraclough, who will continue to be involved in the business.

The company said that the strategic acquisition complements its existing expertise in natural sprout suppression technology through its well-established Restrain brand.

Together, the two companies will “offer customers greater choice and flexibility from portable to fixed sprout suppression systems, through a single trusted partner”, it added.

“This acquisition represents an important step in PI group’s growth journey,” said Rachel Cook-Coulson, chief executive of PI.

Dan Hewitt, managing director of Restrain UK, added: “By combining the strength of Restrain and Biofresh Safestore, we’re accelerating our expansion across Europe and globally. Together, we will deliver greater value to customers through innovative, nature-powered technologies that advance the future of crop storage.”