Calata, Marubeni tie up for agro-chem venture

MANILA, Philippines - Listed Calata Corp. has partnered with Japanese firm Marubeni Corp. to test agricultural chemical products. 

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange yesterday, Calata said it has entered into an agreement with Marubeni to establish test farms here to look into the viability of the latter’s agricultural chemical products in the local market.

 “This partnership is envisioned to draw additional business opportunities that will further increase the Company’s continuing business growth as well as its continuous drive to be the country’s leader in the agribusiness industry,” Calata corporate information officer Jose Marie Fabella said.

Established in 1858, Marubeni is one of Japan’s biggest trading companies.

Marubeni operates in a broad range of segments covering food, food materials, chemicals, machinery, finance, logistics, real estate, metal, mineral resources and energy resources in 120 locations around the world.

Marubeni is likewise a strategic ally of Chinese animal feed manufacturer New Hope Group, a partner of Calata for the distribution of Golden Bean feeds.

Earlier this month, Calata finalized its acquisition of the meat business of the Galicia Group through the purchase of a 51 percent stake in Brookfields Meat Inc.

The Galicia Group supplies products to the country’s major supermarkets.

Through the recent acquisition, Calata plans to enter into major supply agreements with large-scale supermarkets including Puregold Supermarkets.

This, as Calata aims to become a major player in the meat business.

Calata distributes agro-chemicals, feeds, fertilizers, veterinary medicines and other agricultural products. 

Its business partners include San Miguel Corp. for B-Meg Feeds and veterinary products; Syngenta, Bayer, Jardine, Dupont, Sinochem, for agro-chemicals; East West Seeds, Monsanto, Planters Products for agricultural seeds; and Swire, Viking for fertilizers.