Pep Group

We Grow
the Future

We are a European group specialized in the development, production, and marketing of seed potatoes. With a direct presence in Spain (mainland and islands) and Portugal, we work closely with leading varietal innovation centers such as IPM and CYGNET PB.

We are committed to sustainability, continuous crop improvement, and the development of new varieties adapted to the market and climate change.

1974
Juan inicios
Juan Castella

Juan Castella, an economist from Barcelona, began his career in the potato industry at the family business J. Castella, one of the leading companies in Barcelona dedicated to the ware potato trade in Spain.

1975
sembrar patatas
Seed Potatoes

At 24, Juan Castella entered the seed potato industry. He began working with LMSA (Luis Matutano SA), a visionary company that recognized from the outset the future importance of plant breeders' rights. Through joint trials with Pepsico, the potential of the Austrian variety Hermes for the processing industry was identified. Multiplication began in Scotland. LMSA obtained exclusive marketing rights in Spanish territories for Agrico (Netherlands) varieties.

1976
reino unido Londres
Pepsico

Relocated to the United Kingdom with Matutano to the company LM Trading Ltd (Luis Matutano Trading Ltd.), which soon changed its name to Agrolon Ltd, establishing contacts with the main potato variety breeding centers in Europe.

1980s
investigacion patatas
Trials

With Agrolon's technical staff, trials of protected varieties were established in many countries to assess their potential compared to traditional varieties. The Cara variety was introduced in the Canary Islands, among others, as well as other varieties in different countries.

1990s
portugal ciudad
Expansion and Innovation

Initiated micropropagation and co-founded a company in Slovenia with Agrico. Imported early potatoes from the Balearic Islands and participated in ware potato imports for the Canary Islands. Worked closely with seed producers in Spain.

2003
londres negocios
Pan European Potato

Agrolon was integrated into Agrico. J. Castella founded Pan European Potato Enterprise Ltd (Pep Ltd) with former Agrolon Ltd staff, maintaining most contracts with breeding centers, primarily REP of Ireland (IPM Ltd) and Cygnet PB in the United Kingdom. Agrico retained Spanish territories through Matutano.

2004
España campo
Pepsur Marketing

Pepsur Marketing SL was founded, controlled by Pep Ltd, for the introduction and development of potato varieties in Spanish territories and export from the Iberian Peninsula.

2010s
equipo lider negocios
Leadership

Pep Ltd, together with Agrico Netherlands, founded Interseme in Slovenia for the marketing of protected varieties in Slovenia and other Balkan countries.

2011
CygnetPep Joint Venture

Together with Cygnet PB (the leading variety breeding company in GB) in a joint venture with Pep Ltd, Cygnet Pep Ltd was founded for the worldwide introduction and development of Cygnet PB and open varieties outside the United Kingdom. Some achieved great success, such as Kingsman, La Strada, Elland, etc. Interseme in Slovenia became part of Cygnet Pep.

2013
David Sánchez

David Sánchez, Agricultural Engineer, joined Pepsur. He is currently the Technical and Commercial Director, with international recognition.

2016
canarias islas
PEP Innovation

Pep Innovation Ltd was founded, controlled by Pepsur Ltd, exclusively dedicated to the Canary Islands market with its very special characteristics.

2023
sembrar patatas
Pep Ltd

Pep Ltd ceased involvement in Cygnet Pep to focus primarily on Pepsur, Spanish and Portuguese territories in the introduction of varieties it represents from various breeders, as well as the export of ware potatoes from the Iberian Peninsula.

2024
portugal ciudad
PEPSUR Portugal

Pepsur Portugal was founded. 100% controlled by Pepsur.

Varieties for Mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands

Potatoes
Distribution of certified seed, export and import of potatoes and onions, and development of new varieties in collaboration with IPM.

Varieties for Mainland Portugal and Madeira

Pep Europe
Focused on Portugal and Madeira, promoting innovative varieties for efficient cultivation adapted to the environment.

Canary Islands Market

canary islands potato market
Dedicated to the Canary Islands market, with trials and demonstrations of new varieties adapted to the island climate.

Azores Market

azores potatoes
Dedicated to the Azores market, where exclusive varieties adapted to its climate are marketed.