Last checked at 25 Jun 2019 07:00
25 June 2019
PLANT HEALTH CARE plc
("Plant Health Care" or the "Company")
New Distribution Agreement for Harpin αß with Wilbur-Ellis Company LLC
Plant Health Care®, a leading provider of novel patent-protected biological products to global agriculture markets, announces a new distribution agreement with Wilbur-Ellis Company LLC, a leading U.S. agriculture distributor, for exclusive access to Employ®, a commercial brand for Harpin αß, for use in U.S. specialty crop markets.
Highlights:
- Plant Health Care has signed an agreement with Wilbur-Ellis, one of the largest U.S. agriculture distributors, for distribution of Harpin αß (Employ) in the U.S.
- Wilbur-Ellis will market Employ into the specialty crops market, which is estimated to be over 7 million acres in the U.S.
Wilbur-Ellis, a recognized leader in precision agriculture technology and the marketing and distribution of plant protection, seed and nutritional products in the US market, has agreed to be the exclusive distributor for Employ, containing Plant Health Care's Harpin αß technology, for applications to specialty crops (fruits and vegetables) in the U.S. Specialty crops comprise more than 7 million acres in the U.S.
Harpin αß works by triggering the plant's own self defense systems, in a manner similar to vaccinations in humans. The plant responds with improved vigor, healthy growth, heightened defense response and, ultimately, increased yield. Being a biological product, Harpin αß has a very favorable human and environmental safety profile.
Employ provides benefits for the growers of fruits and vegetables through increased yield and quality. Employ was recognized as Best New Biological Product at the Agrow Awards in November 2018. This new agreement with Wilbur-Ellis will substantially increase the number of growers introduced to the product.
Jesse Rosales, Wilbur-Ellis Branded Technologies Portfolio Manager commented:
"The addition of Employ to our branded offerings is a meaningful step forward to becoming a distribution market leader in the biological solutions space. We are very excited about growing this product in key specialty crops regions like Washington, Oregon, Michigan and the broader Northeastern U.S."
Jeff Tweedy, Plant Health Care Chief Operating Officer noted:
"With this new agreement, Employ will have the power of a major distributor in the U.S. specialty crop market, for the first time. Wilbur-Ellis has great trust and respect with specialty crop growers and will be a great partner to expand the growth of Employ on these crops. This latest distribution agreement with Wilbur-Ellis for specialty crops further reinforces Plant Health Care's commercial expansion in the U.S."
About the Wilbur-Ellis Companies
Founded in 1921, the Wilbur-Ellis companies are leading international marketers and distributors of agricultural products, animal feed and specialty chemicals and ingredients. By developing strong relationships, making strategic market investments and capitalizing on new opportunities, the Wilbur-Ellis companies have continued to grow the business with sales now over $3.2 billion. www.wilburellis.com.
Wilbur-Ellis Agribusiness generates more than $2 billion in sales revenue annually and has over 160 branch locations throughout the U.S.
About Plant Health Care:
Plant Health Care is a leading provider of novel patent-protected biological products to global agriculture markets. The Company's ordinary shares have been quoted on the Alternative Investment Market ("AIM") of the London Stock Exchange since July 2004. Plant Health Care has global reach through operating subsidiaries and supply agreements with major industry partners. For more information, please visit www.planthealthcare.com.
For further information, please contact:
Plant Health Care plc
Chris Richards, Executive Chairman and Interim CEO Tel: +1 919 926 1600
Jeff Tweedy, COO
Arden Partners plc - Broker and NomadJohn Llewellyn-Lloyd / Dan Gee-Summons Ccorporate Finance) Tel: +44 (0) 20 7614 5900
Fraser Marshall (Equity Sales)
Company website: www.planthealthcare.com