By Janet Kanters

Sustainable Agro Solutions (SAS Group) has acquired a majority stake in South African seaweed-based biostimulant producer Afrikelp, strengthening its biological crop input portfolio and expanding its capabilities in a segment targeted for growth.

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Afrikelp specializes in harvesting, researching, producing and distributing seaweed- and plant-based biostimulants. Its products are used across more than 45 crops, including fruits, vegetables and row crops, with customers in more than 55 markets across North America, Europe, Africa and Latin America.

The company’s capabilities include an exclusive concession to harvest Ecklonia maxima, a brown seaweed used in its biostimulants, and a proprietary, patented Cold Micronisation Process that enables the production of a concentrated product.

Xavier Mitjavila, CEO of SAS Group, said the acquisition advances the company’s strategy to build a global agricultural biosolutions business.

“Seaweed has been a key area of our portfolio that we have been looking to expand, and Afrikelp brings a highly differentiated combination of scientific expertise, proprietary extraction technology, privileged access to Ecklonia maxima, and an established international customer base,” he said.

The companies plan to combine Afrikelp’s research and technology with SAS Group’s broader product portfolio and international reach to accelerate growth and expand access to their solutions.

The acquisition also strengthens SAS Group’s presence in the United States and other strategic international markets. SAS Group operates in more than 100 countries.

Afrikelp CEO Dr. Nicole Hart said joining SAS Group offers an opportunity to reach more growers while maintaining existing customer relationships.

“SAS Group’s established presence in 100 countries provides a unique opportunity to bring Afrikelp’s products and expertise to a broader range of growers around the world,” she said.

“Afrikelp will continue to serve its customers with the same focus and commitment that have underpinned the business throughout its more than 50-year history,” Hart added.

The transaction is SAS Group’s sixth acquisition since 2023, following Biovert in 2023, Pevesa Agroscience in 2024, Aqua do Brasil and Codiagro in 2025, and Ceres Biotics in 2026. The acquisitions have expanded the company’s capabilities in biosolutions and specialty plant nutrition.

Stirling Square Capital Partners, which acquired a majority stake in SAS Group in July 2021, has supported the business through acquisitions and investments in research and development, product development, production capacity and international market expansion.