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BPH Global’s Indonesian Seaweed Venture Hinges on Export Licenses and Offtake Deals

Agriculture By Ada Torres 3 min read

BPH Global has completed its acquisition of Indonesian seaweed assets, establishing a wholly owned subsidiary and launching joint operations aimed at expanding seaweed cultivation and bio-stimulant product development across Asia.

  • Completion of Indonesian seaweed joint venture and asset acquisition
  • Formation of wholly owned subsidiary PT BPH Global Indonesia pending registration
  • Focus on securing offtake agreements for raw seaweed sales in Asian markets
  • Development of seaweed-based bio-stimulant products targeting the Indian market
  • Milestone-based share payments to JV partners tied to export licenses and revenue targets
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Strategic Acquisition and Joint Venture Completion

BPH Global Ltd (ASX: BP8) has officially completed its acquisition of Indonesian-based seaweed assets, marking a significant milestone in its expansion into the Southeast Asian seaweed industry. The transaction, announced on 23 January 2025, follows a binding term sheet signed in October 2024 with joint venture partners including PT Mitra Agro Global and key individuals Rajiv Ramnarayan and Deepak Jha.

This acquisition sets the foundation for BPH Global’s wholly owned Indonesian subsidiary, PT BPH Global Indonesia, which is currently pending formal registration. The subsidiary will serve as the operational hub for cultivating, sourcing, and selling seaweed, as well as developing bio-stimulant products for the Indian agricultural market.

Operational Integration and Market Focus

Operationally, BPH Global has integrated existing assets from the JV partners, including warehouses and cultivation tanks in Makassar, Indonesia. Managing Director Matthew Leonard has been on the ground since mid-January, collaborating closely with Deepak Jha, who has been appointed Director and Operations Manager of the new subsidiary. Initial staffing and long-term supply agreements with local farmers are underway to secure a reliable seaweed supply chain.

The company is prioritising the negotiation of offtake agreements with Asian buyers, which are critical to scaling raw seaweed sales. These agreements will underpin revenue growth and support trade finance initiatives to fund inventory acquisition.

Innovating with Bio-Stimulant Products

Beyond raw seaweed sales, BPH Global is advancing a bio-stimulant project aimed at enhancing crop nutrient uptake, leveraging intellectual property linked to Traditional Chinese Medicine applications. This initiative targets the Indian market, where the company sees significant growth potential. The JV partners’ expertise and existing relationships will be instrumental in securing bio-stimulant licenses and driving research and development efforts.

Incentivised Milestones and Future Outlook

The joint venture agreement includes milestone-based share issuances to the JV partners, contingent on achieving export licenses, revenue thresholds, and bio-stimulant patent acquisitions within the next two years. This structure aligns incentives and underscores the company’s commitment to operational and commercial milestones.

While the acquisition and JV completion represent a strategic leap forward, the company’s success will hinge on navigating regulatory approvals, securing export licenses, and converting offtake discussions into binding contracts. The Indonesian seaweed sector’s growth trajectory and emerging bio-stimulant market offer promising avenues, but execution risks remain.

Bottom Line?

BPH Global’s Indonesian JV completion opens new growth avenues, but securing export licenses and offtake deals will be critical next steps.

Questions in the middle?

  • How quickly can PT BPH Global Indonesia secure export licenses and regulatory certifications?
  • What are the timelines and likelihood of converting offtake discussions into binding contracts?
  • How will the bio-stimulant project progress in terms of licensing and market penetration in India?