Italian agrochemical firm Sariaf-Gowan posted a 25% jump in sales in the 1st quarter 2006 compared with the same period of the previous year. Results were boosted by the launch of new products and increasing market recognition of the company.

Sariaf-Gowan was formed in January 2006 when Gowan Italia S.p.A., acquired 50% of Sariaf which was previously wholly owned by Sipcam S.p.A. and Oxon Italia. Gowan Italia S.p.A. is a wholly owned subsidiary of the US agrochemical company Gowan Co.

The new entity is aimed at increasing Gowan’s presence outside of the North American market, while offering Sariaf additional products to introduce to customers.

Sariaf, created more than 50 years ago, distributes crop protection and related products across Italy. The company has a good reputation for its comprehensive product portfolio and is widely recognized as the best performer among the “non multinational” sized companies.

“It is part of Sipcam and Oxon’s strategy to reinforce Sariaf through a 50:50 ownership with a company like Gowan, who shares the same vision of the markets and objectives,” said Giovanni Affaba, managing director of Sipcam and Oxon. “Both Gowan and Sipcam and Oxon are privately owned groups and through this alliance it will be easier to explore new business opportunities in terms of product development and presence in the main world markets.”

Gowan Co provides quality crop protection products for niche markets of agriculture. The Gowan Group, established in 1963, is dedicated to supporting agriculture through regulatory defense, market experience, and product development.

For more information about Sariaf-Gowan and its product line, please visit www.Sariaf.it or contact Gowan Co. Headquarters at 1-800-883-1844 Ext. 2.