45 Years of Klasmann-Deilmann France
Strong roots in horticulture for steady growth
Since its foundation in 1980, Klasmann-Deilmann France has grown from a small sales office to one of the leading substrate suppliers in French horticulture. The year 2025 marked 45 years of innovation, partnership and unwavering commitment to horticultural businesses in France and Africa. ‘Stronger together’ is more than just a motto here; it is a philosophy that is lived and breathed and continues to drive success.
Adapting to a changing market
The horticultural landscape in France has changed significantly over the last two decades. Production space in greenhouses is shrinking, businesses are facing rising costs and stricter sustainability targets, and competition, particularly from Spain and Morocco, is becoming increasingly fierce. In this challenging market environment, success depends on more than just a good product. It requires partnerships, flexibility and trust.
Klasmann-Deilmann France has responded to this by fundamentally rethinking its business model, transforming itself from a pure supplier into a local producer and solution provider. The two production sites in Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône and Le Sen now ensure faster delivery, greater flexibility and substrates based on regional, renewable raw materials. ‘We are close to our customers, both geographically and in our way of working,’ says Managing Director Lionel Debauge. ‘That makes all the difference.’
Successful support for horticultural businesses
Supporting nurseries has always been at the heart of Klasmann-Deilmann France’s mission. The team works closely with customers to understand their specific crops, growing conditions and commercial objectives. Whether they are tree nurseries, large vegetable producers or strawberry farms, if they are looking for reliability, crop security and innovation, the Klasmann-Deilmann France team is the right partner.
One example of this is Growbag Advanced: a high-performance, fully compostable substrate solution specially developed for the technical and ecological requirements of modern vegetable and berry production. ‘Today’s growers need substrates that allow them to achieve more with less effort: less water, less fertiliser and better yields,’ explains Debauge. ‘We combine technical innovation with practical support to make this possible.’
Klasmann-Deilmann France doesn’t just deliver a product and then walk away. The team offers expert advice on everything from irrigation strategy to nutrient management. The company also works with independent research stations such as Invenio and CATE to collect field data and help customers make informed decisions and optimise their cultivation practices.
A unique customer approach
One of the reasons for Klasmann-Deilmann France’s continued success is its customer-focused model. Unlike its competitors, the French team handles all customer interactions – commercial, technical and logistical – directly. This approach ensures continuity and accountability, as well as a deep understanding of each grower’s operations.
‘Everything we do – from production planning to on-site visits – is geared towards helping our customers succeed,’ explains Debauge. ‘Because when they grow, we grow too.’
Looking to the future
After 45 successful years, Klasmann-Deilmann France is looking firmly to the future. The roadmap includes further expansion of local production capacities, continued investment in alternative raw materials such as GreenFibre and bark humus, and the development of new substrate concepts that combine sustainability with outstanding technical performance.
Above all, however, the team will continue to do what it does best: stay close to the market, work hand in hand with horticultural businesses and constantly push the boundaries of what substrates can achieve.
‘I am already looking forward to the 50th anniversary,’ says Lionel Debauge. ‘It will be more than just a celebration – it will be an opportunity to thank all those who have been and continue to be part of this journey and to share our vision for the future.’
