Nigerian agrofood firm expands into France, eyes wider European market

As part of the move to strengthen its international presence, JR Farms, a leading Nigerian-owned agricultural firm, has officially launched operations in France, marking its entry into the European market.

The firm now operates at the renowned Rungis International Market, the principal wholesale market in Paris and the second-largest food market in the world.

Rotimi Olawale, the CEO and Founder of JR Farms said the firm’s expansion into French made it the first Nigerian agro-food company to operate in the country, and marked a significant milestone in its global growth strategy.

Since its establishment in 2013, the company has built a strong reputation of excellence in agricultural production and innovation, with a focus on sustainable farming practices and high-quality produce.

Over the years, JR Farms has collaborated with national and international organisations, including the African Development Bank (AfDB), the French government and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations to provide agricultural consultancy and facilitate import-export services.

Olawale, described the firm’s entry into France as a crucial step in expanding its global footprint.

“We are thrilled to announce the commencement of our operations in France. This expansion represents a strategic move to diversify our markets and bring our expertise in agriculture to new horizons. France, known for its rich agricultural heritage and commitment to sustainable farming, presents an exciting opportunity for us to contribute our innovative solutions,” Olawale said.

The company’s decision to expand into Europe follows its successful operations in Nigeria, Zambia, and Rwanda, where it has made a substantial impact in the agricultural sectors. Olawale highlighted JR Farms’ achievements in these countries, emphasising the company’s commitment to sustainability and community empowerment.

“Through partnerships with local farmers and stakeholders, we have facilitated knowledge transfer and technological adoption, enhancing productivity and economic resilience. Our journey in Nigeria, Zambia and Rwanda has been marked by collaborative efforts to boost agricultural productivity and sustainability.

“We are committed to replicating this success in France by fostering lasting partnerships and contributing to the country’s agricultural advancement,” he added.

Looking ahead, Olawale revealed that JR Farms has plans to further expand its operations across Europe, stressing that the firm’s investment in France underscores its confidence in the region’s agricultural market and its dedication to meeting evolving consumer demands for ethically produced, high-quality agricultural products.

“In line with our long-term vision to become a global leader in sustainable agriculture, we plan to explore opportunities in more European cities. Our expansion strategy prioritises adaptability and responsiveness to local market dynamics, ensuring that our operations effectively cater to diverse agricultural needs,” Olawale stated.

In recent years, JR Farms has implemented a number of initiatives to promote agricultural sustainability while empowering local communities in Africa. In November 2023, the company unveiled ‘JR Food for Nations’ platform, a comprehensive one-stop-shop export platform aimed at connecting agri-food exporters to essential services, and to the European Union.

It also signed a partnership agreement with the French government to offer African farmers industrial networking, global practices and access to stakeholders in business circles. The company has equally partnered with a number of state governments in Nigeria on agricultural initiatives.

READ ALSO:  Food security: Anambra to partner German firm to boost agricultural produce