Syngenta to divest US fresh produce unit to Pacific Trellis Fruit

Swiss agrochemicals company Syngenta is set to divest its fresh produce business Dulcinea Farms to Pacific Trellis Fruit, a US-based international grower and marketer of fresh produce, for an undisclosed amount.

The transaction is expected to close by 2013-end.

California-based Dulcinea Farms is engaged in growing and marketing watermelons, cantaloupes and honeydews.

In 2004, Syngenta along with Tanimura & Antle formed the fresh produce arm, which initially served as a vehicle for branding proprietary mini-watermelon and speciality melon genetics directly to consumers through national food retail chains.

In 2005, the Swiss firm took full control of Dulcinea and since then the latter’s annual sales have increased to around $80m.

Under Pacific Trellis Fruit ownership, Dulcinea will continue to grow and commercialise its current portfolio.

Syngenta chief operating officer Davor Pisk said that the sale will allow the company to focus on bringing innovation to growers and the food value chain in its 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," Pisk added.

Syngenta has also secured a long-term supply agreement with Pacific Trellis whereby it will continue to provide Dulcinea with mini-watermelon and speciality melon seed varieties.

Syngenta markets seeds and pesticides, and employs over 27,000 people in more than 90 countries.

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Image: Dulcinea Farms grows and markets watermelons, cantaloupes and honeydews. Photo courtesy of Syngenta.