Arcadia Biosciences, a leader in science-based approaches to enhancing the quality and nutritional value of crops and food ingredients, has acquired, through Arcadia SPA, the assets of Agrasys S.A, a food ingredients company based in Barcelona, Spain.

The transaction includes the physical and intellectual property assets to enable Arcadia to commercialize Tritordeum, a proprietary cereal grain that was developed at the Instituto de Agricultura Sostenible – Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, (IAS-CSIC) the largest public institution dedicated to agricultural research in Spain, and subsequently licensed exclusively to Agrasys for commercialization.

Key Agrasys personnel will join Arcadia SPA and will operate the Tritordeum and GoodWheat business through that entity, where the combined skill, experience and capacities of the respective teams will be leveraged across multiple channels and markets.

Agrasys works with a network of more than 50 grain producers and 25 millers and distributors to deliver its proprietary products to customers. The company has commercialized Tritordeum in 10 countries with seven retailers in Europe, most recently launching its Tritordeum bread product with Albert Heijn, the largest grocery retailer in Holland.

“Not only do we see further growth for Tritordeum in Europe, we believe that there is untapped potential for the product in North America and other important cereal markets around the world,” said Matt Plavan, CEO, Arcadia.

“Additionally, the network and capabilities that the Agrasys team have built will serve as an excellent foundation for our GoodWheat products as we expand our commercial footprint. We are delighted to welcome the Agrasys team into the Arcadia family and look forward to continuing to deliver the nutritious and delicious products that consumers seek,” added Plavan.

Etienne Vassiliadis, Agrasys’ general manager said, “As a food scientist and professional baker, I am eager to unlock the many powerful applications and synergies of our respective cereal grains products.”