Biotech firm Genus enters Canadian pork market

Published by

Stephen Emerson

Basingstoke firm, Genus plc (LSE: GNS), have announced an investment of $25m (Canadian) in securing an exclusive long term genetics programme with Olymel.

Olymel is Canadian market leader in production, processing and distribution of pork and poultry produce. The Olymel collaboration increases Genus subsidiary, PIC's footprint in the Canadian porcine genetics market.

The Basingstoke based Genus/PIC are a leading global animal genetics company with sales in over 80 countries.

The deal means they have secured all intellectual property in Olymel's elite porcine genetics and will provide genetic products and services in connection with the Olymel's AlphaGene porcine genetic improvement program.

Olymel is the largest porcine producer in Canada with capacity for over 185,000 pigs per week.

Genus advances animal breeding and genetic improvement by applying biotechnology and sells added value products for livestock farming and food producers.

Bill Christianson, COO of PIC, said: "We are excited to be working with Olymel, the leading Canadian pig producer, with a focus on differentiated product quality.

"The complementary nature of PIC's leading genetics, and Olymel's significant production facilities will benefit customers of AlphaGene genetics throughout the porcine production pyramid."

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Stephen Emerson

Stephen Emerson is the Managing Editor of The Business Magazine and is responsible for the publication's print publications and online properties including the newly launched Biz News websites in Hampshire and Dorset. Stephen has been a journalist for 20 years and has worked at local, regional and national publications and led a team which made The Scotsman website one of the fastest growing news sites in the UK with over eight million monthly users. He has a keen interest in technology, property and corporate finance and telling the stories of the people behind the successful firms in these sectors.