BioFirst is a global leader in biological crop protection, nutrition and natural pollination.
* Sofina is represented in the decision-making bodies of the company.
Sector
Consumer and retail
Sustainable supply chains
Shareholding percentage
12.59%
International presence
70+ countries
Founded in 1987, BioFirst (previously Biobest) emerged as a pioneer, being the first company to commercialize bumblebees. Over the years, BioFirst developed an extensive range of beneficial insects and mites acting as biological crop protection solutions, primarily for covered crops. With the acquisition of Biotrop in Brazil and BioWorks in the US in 2023, BioFirst has moved from an horticulture biocontrol and pollination specialist to a major biological player in agriculture, covering beneficials (insects, mites and nematodes), biopesticides, biostimulants, bioinoculants and pollination in covered and open-field crops. These natural products are an alternative to chemical pesticides and fertilisers and allow to reduce their usage.
Headquartered in Westerlo, Belgium, BioFirst’s global presence spans five continents, with dedicated production and sales entities designed to meet the specific needs of agricultural growers and distributors. This geographical spread is complemented by a robust network of technical experts who provide essential consulting and advice, forming a cornerstone of BioFirst’s value proposition.
The company’s strategy focuses on organic growth, underpinned by environmental, societal, demographic, and regulatory factors. Concurrently, BioFirst actively participates in the consolidation of a globally fragmented sector.
Investment history
Belgium | 2022
Sofina invested in BioFirst (previously Biobest) in 2022 through a capital increase to finance the acquisition of BioFirst’s main distributor, the Canadian company Plant Products. Following this transaction, Sofina became a minority shareholder of BioFirst alongside Floridienne, a controlling shareholder since 2006, and Mérieux Equity Partners, which joined in 2018. In 2023, Sofina supported the company through two capital increases to finance the acquisition of Biotrop and smaller targets.