Ecocert Acquires Indiana Certified Organic

Ecocoert said the deal is key to its strategy of developing its North American business plan with well-established local partners in the US. The acquisition brings more than three hundred additional U.S. clients to the group and an enhanced position on the U.S. market with a local presence, brand, network and team, the company stated in a press release.

Formed in 1991, Ecocert is actively involved in environmental protection and social responsibility. Its wide range of products and services -organic cosmetics, fair trade products, organic textiles, organic farming and inputs, ecological green spaces, organic home fragrance and cleaning products- makes this company a key actor in sustainable development. Its client base includes renowned international brands such as Aveda, Kielh’s, Nuxe, Kora, Origins, and Matrix.

Indiana Certified Organic began offering organic certification in 1995, one of the first to be accredited by the US National Organic Program. Currently operating in 24 states, ICO is NOP, ISO 65 and CAEQ accredited. It offers inspection services through its national network and certification for crops, wild crops, livestock, handlers and processors.

Discussions between ECOCERT and ICO started in October 2009, and a formal process in July 2010. On January 28, 2011, an agreement converted 100% ownership of ICO to Ecocert.