THE NETHERLANDS - BASF, an ag partner known for driving growth in research and development (R&D), has recently acquired ASL in a bid to continue expanding its breeding and seed production in France. ASL, known for its innovative melon breeding initiatives, will help BASF secure a leading melon breeding program. The acquisition is expected to close on January 1, 2023.

“For the global vegetable seeds industry, melon is an important crop. BASF’s vegetable seeds portfolio marketed under the Nunhems^® brand already covers hybrid melon seeds,” said Vicente Navarro, Senior Vice President of BASF’s vegetable seeds business. “By acquiring ASL, we continue offering a highly innovative melon pipeline to our value chain partners and consumers. They are the ultimate motive of all our business activities and the reason why we want to make healthy eating enjoyable and sustainable by breeding new varieties that meet their expectations in taste and convenience.”

ASL, according to a press release, specializes in orange flesh type melons, such as the Cantaloupe and Charentais types. The seed production and breeding facilities near Avignon, France, will complement BASF’s existing network of 23 breeding stations for vegetable seeds worldwide and will be the first station for R&D activities located in France.

BASF noted that the transaction with ASL covers all assets, including seed production, intellectual property rights, germplasm, research and development facilities, and staff.

How will this shake up the melon market in the years to come? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.

BASF