BRANDT has acquired all shares of Agrícola Innovación, S.A. de C.V., known as Altiara, a Mexico-based manufacturer and distributor of specialty crop nutrition, biological, plant protection and adjuvant products.

The acquisition, announced October 5, expands BRANDT’s manufacturing and distribution capabilities in Latin America, particularly in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. Altiara operates facilities in Mexico City and Pachuca, Mexico, and has a portfolio spanning organic, biological and conventional agriculture.

“With Altiara in the family, we’ll be able to manufacture our products in Mexico for shipment throughout Latin America, delivering significant efficiencies in Central America and the Caribbean,” said Rick Brandt, president and CEO of BRANDT. He added that the acquisition is another way for the company to better serve customers as it expands its global market reach.

Founded in 2000, Altiara manufactures products for crop nutrition, crop protection and biostimulation. Its products are distributed primarily in Mexico and Central America, including OMRI-listed biological products and other solutions for organic and conventional production.

The acquisition is expected to give BRANDT greater access to the growing market for organic and biological agricultural products while adding local manufacturing capacity.

“We are thrilled to be joining the BRANDT family,” said Francisco Ortiz, former CEO of Altiara. He said Altiara had been seeking a partner with shared values, a strong customer focus and the ability to invest in future growth. Ortiz will remain with the company as managing director, Mexico integration.

Altiara will become part of BRANDT International, led by Mauricio Andrião, vice-president of BRANDT International. All Altiara employees will be retained, with company leadership reporting to BRANDT’s functional business leads. The business will be rebranded as Altiara, A BRANDT Company.

Andrião said BRANDT identified Mexico last year as a priority growth market because of the size of its agricultural sector and its potential fit with the company’s technology-focused product portfolio.

“When we learned about the quality of their team, the quality of their products and their values-based approach to business, the fit was immediately obvious,” he said.

The relaunch of Altiara under the BRANDT name is planned for the Expo AgroAlimentaria Guanajuato trade show in Mexico, November 10-13.