PHC has ambitious plans for expansion in Brazil

The acquisition of Plant Health Care (PHC) by the multinational PI Industries paves the way for an unprecedented expansion in Brazil. The company is betting on innovative technologies such as Harpin Protein (H2copla and Hplant), Saori, Moshy and Teikko to transform the agricultural sector. The ambitious goal: to reach 100% of the national territory by the end of 2025.

transformer potential

Rodrigo de Miranda, business director for South America, highlights that the acquisition by PI Industries represented a significant structural change for the company.

Previously constrained in resources and scope, PHC now has financial and strategic support to advance pioneering technologies such as biostimulants, fungicides and nematicides based on peptides derived from plant pathogenic bacteria.

PHC’s technology is likened to a “plant vaccine,” a disruptive technology that is finding widespread acceptance in today’s market, thanks to the increased acceptance of biological solutions. With the support of PI, the goal is clear: to bring these innovative technologies to all regions of Brazil and develop new technology platforms for other crops and agricultural challenges.

Acceleration with a local focus

The transition with IP is being conducted cautiously, but with an eye on accelerated growth. PHC prioritizes a robust distribution structure, adapted to the specificities of each region.

“We want people with deep local knowledge,” says Miranda, highlighting the importance of long-term relationships.

The IP strategy, which combines traditional chemicals and biologicals with innovative biochemicals, strengthens PHC's portfolio, with possibilities to introduce products that are already successful in India.

The goal is to consolidate the national presence, even in the face of market challenges, such as low commodity prices and high stocks in the field.

Goals for the next five years

PHC’s growth in Brazil is projected to be exponential, with an expected increase of over 1.000% over the next five years. Rodrigo emphasizes that the plan is to double revenue by the end of 2025.

Furthermore, the focus remains on the profitability and sustainability of the business, aligned with the long-term commitment.

This growth will be supported by investments in research and development, such as the launch of new technologies and the expansion of the portfolio. “We are prepared to pay the initial price to structure solid and profitable growth with an eye on the future,” he says.

Peptides: a complementary solution

PHC does not see any direct competitors in its peptide segment, which stands out for its effectiveness and ability to complement chemical products. Solutions such as SAORI, for controlling diseases in soybeans, and TEIKKO, which combines nematicidal efficiency with biological resilience, are examples of innovation highlighted by Rodrigo.

These products aim to solve chronic problems, such as the increase in the number of fungicide applications, by offering more sustainable and economical alternatives for farmers. In addition, TEIKKO, applicable to crops such as sugarcane and coffee, promises to revolutionize nematode control practices.

Five key crops

PHC currently focuses its operations on five main crops: soybeans, corn, cotton, coffee and sugarcane. However, plans are underway to expand into other crops in the next two to three years, with the development of registrations and feasibility studies.

Rodrigo sees the entry of new companies into the peptide market as something positive. “More companies talking about peptides helps educate the market,” he says.