Sanam Agro, a subsidiary of Sanam Holding, is preparing to expand its horizons by venturing into the niche market of snail farming. The company is set to acquire a 25 percent stake in Arade Eco Agro, a firm specializing in the cultivation of gastropod mollusks. This strategic investment, part of a planned capital increase, marks a bold diversification into a burgeoning sector with significant potential.
Arade Eco Agro, led by Driss Krafess and co-owned with his brother Othman, is a family-run business with strong roots in aquaculture. Together, the Krafess brothers also manage Vitamine Sea, a company supplying seafood, including shrimp, to the restaurant industry. Sanam Agro’s entry into this venture is currently under review by the Competition Council, ensuring compliance with market regulations.
Under the leadership of Mehdi Alj, Sanam Agro has already established itself as a powerhouse in Morocco’s agro-industrial sector. Its operations are divided into two main pillars: Unimer Group, which focuses on seafood production and distribution, and a local food division offering a variety of products such as sauces, condiments, frozen fruits, marinated vegetables, beverages, fresh produce, and logistics services. This broad portfolio reflects Sanam Agro’s commitment to meeting diverse consumer demands while driving innovation in food production.
Globally, snail farming is gaining traction as an industry with immense potential. High international demand for escargots, prized for their culinary and cosmetic applications, makes this market particularly lucrative. By partnering with Arade Eco Agro, Sanam Agro aims to carve out a niche in this high-value sector while further diversifying its portfolio.
This move underscores the ambitions of Said Alj, who, through Sanam Holding, continues to seek innovative opportunities to strengthen and diversify the group’s economic impact. By entering the snail farming business, Sanam Agro not only taps into a promising market but also reinforces its role as a trailblazer in Morocco’s agro-industrial landscape. This initiative positions the company to capitalize on emerging global trends, ensuring sustainable growth while contributing to the evolution of Morocco’s agri-food sector.