On 15 July, spawn producer Sylvan Inc. announced the acquisition of Mispaj Micelios in Pradejón, Rioja, Spain.
Spain is one of the largest mushroom-producing countries in Europe. In recent years Sylvan has developed a strong presence across the agaricus-, pleurotus- and shiitake-spawn market segments. “However, to further grow our share of this important market we believe a more substantial local presence is required. The Mispaj spawn business allows us to take a significant step forward in executing this strategy”, the press release said.
Mispaj was founded in 1993 by four grower shareholders. The company enjoys a significant share of the Spanish agaricus and exotics spawn market and has a longstanding and loyal customer base in northern Spain and Castilla la Mancha, the key mushroom growing areas. Mispaj has a rye-based spawn portfolio of approx. 10 different strains (white agaricus and pleurotus) and Sylvan will continue to offer these products in the Spanish market under the Mispaj brand as a going concern.
According to Iwan Brandsma, managing director of Sylvan, “this announcement is an important milestone in our strategy, which targets growth through innovation (R&D), customer development (Crop Care) and market expansion, where possible through acquisition. With this strategy we aim to further strengthen our position as a trusted supplier in the international spawn market and provide the mushroom industry with the most advanced and highest quality products and solutions, anywhere in the world.”
