In Tunisia, Vilmorin and SEPCM strengthen their partnership for research on hot peppers

In Tunisia, Vilmorin and SEPCM strengthen their partnership for research on hot peppers

Vilmorin - MKS and their partner and long - standing distributor in Tunisia, SEPCM, have decided to strengthen their partnership for research on hot peppers through a joint venture: CARTHAGE GENETIQUE.

Vilmorin, the brand leader in the hot pepper market in Tunisia, is continuing the development of its global research network with the establishment of this new operational facility in North Africa.

CARTHAGE GENETIQUE, A LONG - STANDING COLLABORATION BEARS FRUIT

SEPCM has been the long - standing partner of Vilmorin - MKS in Tunisia for more than 30 years, under the framework of an exclusive contract for distribution of the various varieties in the Vilmorin range.

In 2008, SEPCM launched out into the selection of hot peppers, with Vilmorin subsequently becoming associated with this project, by providing technical support and expertise through a partnership contract that gave them exclusive access to all the varieties created. Today, eight years later, the Vilmorin brand has become the leader in the hot pepper market in Tunisia, both for the fresh pepper segment and industry products market (harissa). This success is due in particular to the development of the market for hybrid varieties.

Fresh on the heels of the great success of this enterprise, the representatives of the two companies have decided to strengthen their collaboration by creating CARTHAGE GENETIQUE. This new company shall be dedicated to the selection and development of vegetable seeds. According to Nejib DOGHRI, President and CEO of SEPCM, "not only is this association the crowning glory of an exemplary partnership between Vilmorin - MKS and SEPCM, but it will also open prospective new avenues in the areas of research and the production of seeds for Tunisia."

"For Vilmorin - MKS, this project is rich in prospects”, explains Rodolphe MILLET, CEO "it reinforces our global ambitions for the hot pepper market and offers our global research network very favorable operating conditions, through the establishment of this new operational facility in Tunisia. Building upon our 30 years of shared history, this represents a new chapter that is being co - written in full confidence with our partner."

A RESEARCH STATION WITH STRONG GEOGRAPHICAL ASSETS

The CARTHAGE GENETIQUE research station is based in the South of Tunis. It brings together a cluster of greenhouses, open field, and a laboratory for extraction of seeds. Its geographic location is a double blessing given that it presents the dual advantages of its specific favorable climatic conditions (in the desert, close to the sea) and its proximity to the South of Europe. Thus, the local team comprised of 4 persons (1 breeder, 2 breeding technicians, 1 research station manager), will benefit from the support provided by the Vilmorin - MKS teams and laboratories based in the South of France (La Costière Research Centre) and in Spain (Águilas Research Centre).

With this new operational facility, Vilmorin - MKS has become the first seed company to have a hot pepper research and development program, established in North Africa.

PEPPER, the 4th MAJOR “GLOBAL PILLAR SPECIES” for VILMORIN - MKS

With the acquisition in February 2016 of the pepper program of GENICA, and the participation in CARTHAGE GENETIQUE, the hot pepper becomes – along with the carrot, tomato and lettuce - the fourth global pillar species for Vilmorin - MKS.

Vilmorin-MKS is a Business Unit of Limagrain gathering the activities of Vilmorin (French seed company) and Mikado Kyowa Seed (Japanese seed company). As a global seed company, Vilmorin-MKS has strong basis over the 5 continents and offers a wide and original high-quality range to all the professionals of the vegetable chain. Vilmorin-MKS is specialized in the creation, production and marketing of vegetable and tree seeds. Entirely dedicated to agricultural professionals, the company reaches a turnover of 224,2 million euros in 2015 - 2016 and has 1000 employees worldwide. Vilmorin-MKS devotes 16% of its turnover to research. Its seed varieties are distributed across more than 100 countries. The world leader for carrots and witloof chicory, Vilmorin-MKS is also a major player in lettuce, tomato, kabocha squash, daikon radish, bunching onion and tree seeds.