March 3, 2002

In 2002, the sugar beet seed market in France amounted to a total of 550,000 units. The greater part (62%) is now made up of rhizomania tolerant varieties. Advanta, with its two sugar beet sales networks, SES France and Vanderhave France, reached record sales figures.

For the first time in its long history SES France's sales figures in 2002 are over 100,000 units. With this performance, SES has reached in excess of 18% market share and confirms its position as the second biggest sugar beet seed supplier in France. 75% of seed sold by SES are rhizomania tolerant
varieties like Rafal, Crocodile and Shérif. In this growing market, SES is joint leader along with KWS. SES has also kept its strong position in the conventional market with Sonate and Sharma as leading varieties in the range.

The Vanderhave France sales team sold in excess of 64,000 units. Vanderhave's market share has been constantly growing since 1999. In 2002, it will reach 11.5%. Vanderhave rhizomania tolerant varieties, like Baccara and Geneal, were particularly successful. They account 65% of VDH France; sales. Among conventional varieties, Centaure is the leading variety in the range.

Each brand runs its own research program, with the support of research teams located in Tienen (Belgium) for SES and in Rilland (The Netherlands) for Vanderhave. Having top performing breeding material in pipeline, both teams are looking forward confidently to the future.