31 Mar 2022 Mérieux NutriSciences South Africa enters pesticide testing market
Foremost food safety micro lab company, Mérieux NutriSciences South Africa, has expanded its testing & consultancy capabilities in Southern Africa with the acquisition of 100% shareholding in Hortec, a market leader in pesticide residue testing and consulting.
Established in 1997, Hortec specialises in total crop management through analytical testing and value-added consulting, utilising proprietary hardware and software solutions.
From its three ISO 17025:2017 accredited laboratories, Hortec’s analytical services include testing for pesticide residues in fresh produce, other undesirable or regulated residues such as mycotoxins and food dyes in various commodities, as well as fruit maturity indexing.
Their testing services are complemented by expert advice on fruit quality management, harvest windows, weather data, and disease models.
Mérieux NutriSciences’ acquisition of Hortec arose from a shared ambition by the two companies to provide their clients with a complete suite of services at every stage of the value chain, from farm to fork.
“Hortec is a perfect fit for us because they share our 360° approach to providing practical & innovative solutions to customers and helping them to make science-based decisions to meet food safety goals.” said Valmé Stewart, MD of Mérieux NutriSciences South Africa.
“Over the coming months, Hortec will be integrated into the Mérieux NutriSciences network, but will retain the Hortec brand name and its team of over 60 highly-skilled and customer-centric staff, trusted by clients over the past 25 years.”
Franck Capdevielle, Vice President Mérieux NutriSciences MEA-ASPAC Region, added: “The purchase of Hortec enables us to further our ambition of providing customers with a ‘one-stop’ solution for their food safety, quality and sustainability needs.
“By joining our international network of more than 100 laboratories across 27 countries, Hortec will also benefit from the shared expertise and experience within our group.”
Source: Mérieux NutriSciences