Page 20 - AWA Vol.41-No.5. 1

SeedS & PLANtStoCK

Syensqo inaugurates its state-of-the-art

microbiology lab in France support product registration. In addition,
the laboratory with its expertise in evalu-
yensqo, a global leader in advanced ating the biodegradability of a wide range
Smaterials and specialty chemicals, is of difficult-to-assess products, will also be-
proud to announce the inauguration of its come available to support customers and
world class cutting-edge microbiology, partners through a service model. The lab
(eco-)toxicology and biotechnology labs will enable a dramatic increase in biodeg-
in Lyon, France. This new facility is the com- radation testing capacity increasing by
pany's largest microbiology lab globally, tenfold the number of samples tested com-
serving as a reference center in the field. pared to 2021.
It enhances Syensqo's biodegradation[1] "Our new microbiology lab significantly
and (eco-)toxicology[2] testing capabili-
ties right from the early stages of product of biodegradable-by-design solutions, strengthens our capacity to create safe and
biodegradable solutions," said Thomas
development, accelerating the develop- particularly in the beauty care, home care, Canova, Head of Research and Innovation
ment of environmentally-friendly and safe agrochemical, adhesives and materials and Head of Renewable Materials and Bio-
products through its Renewable Materials technology Growth Platform at Syensqo.
and Biotechnology Growth Platform. markets. In our ongoing commitment to "With advanced testing methods, digital
The newly operational 550 m2 lab will environmental sustainability, the lab's con- capabilities, and increased precision and
struction incorporated key initiatives that
work closely with other Syensqo labs resulted in a 35% decrease in net power efficiency, we are accelerating the devel-
around the world to significantly boost consumption and a 36% reduction in CO2 opment of sustainable solutions that meet
Syensqo's ability to respond to customer the evolving needs of our customers.”The
needs by improving testing efficiency, and emissions. microbiology lab in Lyon was officially in-
reducing time-to-market. Equipped with By targeting GLP (Good Laboratory Prac- augurated on June 12, 2025 in the presence
advanced capabilities and machine learn- tices) accreditation, expected in the sec- of local authorities and customers.
ing, the lab will support the development ond half of the year, the laboratory will also Circle 23 on enquiry card
Zawadi® Raspberry Expansion Gains

Momentum Across Southern europe

he high-performing raspberry vari- rising in Morocco and Iberia.” Chambers is
Tety is entering a major growth phase delighted with its performance as a grow-
across Europe. Growers in Morocco, Spain er, importer and distributor, and we look
and Portugal are scaling up production to forward to contributing to the next stage of
meet increasing market demand. its commercial lifecycle.”
In its first year of commercialization, Mo- Retailers have been clear — they want a • Positive reception from retailers and
rocco and Spain have each secured over 70 raspberry that delivers quality, consisten- consumers for it’s quality, flavour and co-
hectares of Zawadi — marking one of the cy, and above all, volume security during lour
fastest-growing soft fruit expansions this low-supply periods,” said Johnnie McMil- The current expansion in Morocco is only
season. lan, Head of International Farming at An- one facet of Zawadi’s growing footprint.
Strong UK Retail Interest Sparked Ear- gus Soft Fruits. “Zawadi is performing on Growers in Spain and Portugal are also
ly Momentum all fronts, with benchmarking results this embracing the variety as a solution to bal-
This production boom is linked to grow- winter being very positive, and we’re now ance seasonal supply, support sustainabil-
ing demand from European retailers— seeing that recognition spread across Eu- ity targets and meet retailer demand for
driven in part by the strategic efforts of ropean markets.” consistently high-quality fruit in the early
ABB’s UK partners, WB Chambers Farms As growers across Spain and Morocco re- calendar months.
and Angus Soft Fruits. These UK-based spond to this demand surge, the 140+ hect- ABB’s Vision for Impact Across the Val-
soft fruit experts have played a vital role in ares of plantings represent a key milestone ue Chain
championing Zawadi within the UK retail for the ABB-bred variety. Producers have
sector. been particularly drawn to Zawadi’s strong “When you develop a variety that truly
As some of the earliest supporters of Za- agronomic adaptability to Mediterranean fills a gap — both agronomically and com-
wadi in Europe, they identified its strategic climates, coupled with low-input require- mercially — it creates a ripple effect across
potential early on and actively promoted ments and strong disease resistance —fac- the value chain,” said Hubert Gadret, CEO
its agronomic strengths and commercial tors that translate into both sustainability of Advanced Berry Breeding.
benefits through extensive trials and direct and profitability in the field. “Zawadi has clearly struck that balance,
engagement with UK buyers. This ground- Key Agronomic and Commercial Ad- offering growers a resilient, high-perform-
work has proven instrumental in building vantages of Zawadi ing crop and giving retailers the quality
retail confidence and has laid the founda- Top benefits of Zawadi® for growers and and supply security they need during a
tion for the current demand spike that is retailers include: challenging window.”
now shaping grower investment decisions As the planting season begins, the lat-
across Southern Europe. • Excellent adaptability across Morocco, est expansion signals a new chapter for
Partner Insights from the Field Spain and Portugal Zawadi. With supply strengthening across
• Low input needs – reduced water, fertil-
“Zawadi has entered the UK market with izer and plant density key Mediterranean regions, Zawadi is well-
a bang,” said Tim Chambers, Managing Di- positioned to deliver continued value for
rector at WB Chambers Farms. “The vari- • Strong disease resistance and open growers, retailers and consumers alike
ety is quickly positioning itself as a premi- plant structure for efficient harvesting throughout 2025 and beyond
um winter supply solution, with production • High-yield potential Circle 24 on enquiry card
18 Vol. 41 No. 5