Omnia targeting expansion in the fast-growing AgriBio sector

• Addressing key factors to enhance food security
• Building on seven decades of expertise in supporting sustainable Agriculture
• Accelerating worldwide investments into climate smart and resource efficient AgriBio offerings

29 September 2022, Johannesburg – JSE listed, diversified chemicals group Omnia Holdings today convened with investors and analysts to unpack its Agriculture division’s strengthening capabilities and demonstrate its prospects for accelerated growth, specifically within the AgriBio sector. Omnia Group CEO Seelan Gobalsamy chaired the session supported by key members of Omnia’s Agriculture leadership and R&D teams.

The agriculture sector is ripe for opportunity to address global food security and supply challenges, with the AgriBio segment being particularly relevant as an enabler of more sustainable farming, boosting outputs and elevating industry competitiveness.

“The focus on addressing climate change through regenerative and sustainable agriculture means AgriBio products are growing in demand globally – with double digit growth potential. It is an exciting time for us to harness our 30 years’ experience in the segment, complemented by our long-standing holistic Nutriology® model, to expand our products and solutions aimed at meeting this major societal need.” said Seelan Gobalsamy, Omnia CEO.

Drawing on seven decades of expertise, Omnia has built a solid foundation from which to pursue growth with its efficient and environmentally friendly ammonia-based fertilizer and Nutriology® model for crop production, complementing its AgriBio focus by supporting farmers augment efficiencies, improve decision-making, and reduce persisting industry risks

Omnia MD of Agriculture, Mandla Mpofu commented, “Time and again, holistic intervention has proven essential in delivering the best yield and this is the essence of Nutriology®. We are proud to have local proof of concept, with data to prove as much as a 50 percent improvement in water use efficiency thanks to our integrated approach.”

The effects of climate change on agriculture were a key focal point of the session, noting reduced crop yields, prevalent declines in nutritional quality, and invasive crops and pests were among the worst outcomes.

James Freemantle, Managing Director for International Agriculture commented, “The rate at which the AgriBio industry is growing testifies to the effectiveness of these products. There is increasing consumer demand for fresh, high-quality foods throughout the year and farmers are constantly seeking methods and inputs that help reduce risks to production volumes, quality, and stability to support this demand. Importantly, the adoption of biostimulants eases the pressure on farmers to produce quality crops during out-of-season periods when stress conditions are higher.”

The Group’s intensified focus on AgriBio solutions and technology across the African continent and key international markets is a natural progression for a business committed to responsive and sustainable solutions. The business has a track-record of delivery in the biostimulants arena underpinned by unique access to the highest quality humate source and years of R&D to ensure the best in data-driven developments.

Omnia is a recognised international player with products already distributed to more than 40 countries globally. To support its ambitions, the Group recently opened sales offices in Europe and the US which are focused on securing distribution partnerships with leading global brands, aiming to replicate the business’ successful partnership with India-based Deepak. These operations are already driving expansion in its respective regions.

The AgriBio market is fragmented, made up of many small players with corporate action being at elevated levels to capitalise on the current growth opportunity. Similar businesses to Omnia’s have fetched handsome valuations, justifying Omnia’s focus on growing its exposure to this segment which is poised for growth. “We have unique and valuable assets in our portfolio that offer great opportunities for expansion with low capital required to unlock it, while aligning with our progressive shift towards more sustainable offerings," concludes Gobalsamy.

The targeted expansion will not only position Omnia to be a world leader in the AgriBio space, but also places the Group closer to achieving its sustainable development goals. Omnia’s efforts are underpinned by robust R&D which is decentralised and includes collaborations with leading tertiary institutions and government departments across the world, as well as various other industry partners to ensure a science-based fundamental understanding of factors impacting the future of agriculture. Omnia’s offerings are rooted in its purpose to provide its customers with solutions that promote a progressive shift towards more sustainable operations and remain among its key differentiators.

Instinctif Partners
Zipho Ngomane
+27 (0)82 325 9063 / Zipho.Ngomane@instinctif.com

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Omnia, established nearly 70 years ago, is based in South Africa, and listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. We operate in 25 countries and are expanding our presence across SADC, North America, Canada, Brazil, and Australasia. Internationally recognised for our innovative research and development, we stand apart based on our leading supply chain and manufacturing capabilities and specialised customer solutions. Our solutions and leading-edge technologies are offered to clients in the agriculture, mining, water, consumer care, food and pharmaceutical, coatings and manufacturing sectors.

We are deeply committed to contribute to a better world by delivering innovative solutions essential to life in a circular economy. We protect life by looking after our environment in a responsible manner and are actively investing in shifting to cleaner technologies, bio-solutions and reducing our environmental footprint. We ensure safety in all our operations and support security of food supply, mineral sources, potable water, and energy. Our focus is to accelerate learning for jobs of the future, including R&D, biotech, and engineering. We sustain livelihoods through large scale employment and contribute to economic growth in labour-intensive sectors such as mining, agriculture, and manufacturing.

Omnia Nutriology® offers agriculture producers a partnership in the science of growing from soil, to crop, to harvest and beyond. We strive for agricultural excellence in product quality, customer relationships, modern facilities, and the latest technology. Our agriculture division manufactures and trades in granular, liquid, direct application ammonia and speciality fertilizers for farmers, co-operatives, and wholesalers throughout South Africa, Southern and East Africa and to select markets in Australasia, Brazil, and the USA. The team of Omnia agronomists ensure that fertilizer solutions are tailor-made according to specific soil types and requirements with bespoke nutrient solutions. We also offer a unique range of AgriBio products and value-added services and solutions to improve soil condition, crop health and yields in a sustainable and environmentally conscious way.

Our Mining division is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of explosives, related accessories and blasting services for mining and quarrying. We were established in 1984 and joined the Omnia stable in 1987 on the strength of our new cold emulsion technology that is now an industry standard. Today we supply cutting-edge products and services to meet customers’ needs at every stage in the explosives supply chain, including Mining Chemicals used in processing and recovery plants and a suite of value-added services across the African continent.

Protea Chemicals is a long-established and well-known manufacturer and distributor of specialty, functional and effect chemicals, polymers and other value-adding services and solutions. The division relates to both the local and (the smaller) international components sectors into which the business supplies a range of specialty and industrial chemicals, technical and product application support and safety, health, environment, and quality (SHEQ) related services include water, agricultural, industrial and life sciences.

At Omnia, we believe that everything is connected. We nurture life for the present and for the future, touching everything that makes your life easier, every day.