Cibus Fund II Acquires Majority Stake in PSB to Drive Innovation in Climate-Resilient Stonefruit

Murcia, Spain – Cibus Fund II, a sustainable agri-food investment fund, has acquired a majority stake in Spanish stonefruit breeder PSB Producción Vegetal. The move is expected to accelerate innovation in the development of high-quality, climate-resilient fruit varieties, addressing the evolving needs of producers, consumers, and the global supply chain.

Established in 1989 and based in Murcia, PSB is known for its extensive portfolio of 74 patented varieties and 51 additional varieties under development. Its breeding efforts focus on peaches, nectarines, apricots, and plums, with ongoing work in table grapes and cherries.

The company’s research and development programme combines advanced molecular marker technology with large-scale hybridisation efforts. PSB currently evaluates up to 120,000 new hybrids to develop fruit with enhanced flavour, improved disease resistance, and adaptability to climate change—such as varieties requiring fewer chilling hours and offering extended growing seasons.

Stéphane Buffat, PSB’s CEO, will remain in his role and retains a stake in the company.

Recent breakthroughs from PSB include new stonefruit varieties resistant to common diseases like sharka virus and powdery mildew. These advancements allow growers to reduce chemical inputs, promoting healthier and more sustainable production.

The investment from Cibus Fund II is expected to boost PSB’s research capabilities and support its international expansion. The firm will benefit from strategic guidance provided by Dr. David Buckeridge, former CEO of Advanta, and Garth Swinburn, a former senior executive at Sun World.

Cibus Capital founder and CIO Rob Appleby said the acquisition highlights the strategic importance of advanced plant breeding in ensuring food security and adapting agriculture to climate change.

“Partnering with PSB places us at the forefront of natural breeding in the high-value fruit sector,” Appleby said. “Their pioneering work is essential for developing crops that are not only climate-resilient but also key to building sustainable food supply chains.”

Buffat welcomed the new partnership, calling it a significant milestone for the company.

“With Cibus’s support, we will strengthen our breeding programmes through cutting-edge technologies and expand our presence in global markets,” he said. “Our goal remains to deliver exceptional fruit varieties that both delight consumers and support grower success.”