From Umeå’s Lab to Brazil’s Fields – Arevo Set to Transform Global Agriculture
Following the successful launch of its climate-smart grass fertilizer, Umeå-based Arevo is taking the next step. With fresh capital, a strong investor network, and soybean field trials in Brazil, the company is rapidly expanding into global markets.
When Arevo showcased its technology at the Elmia Garden horticultural fair alongside partner Algomin (part of Finnish Kekkilä-BVB), it marked the first time the technology was presented at such an event—but not their first collaboration. Previously, Arevo and Hasselfors Garden (also part of Kekkilä-BVB) launched Växtkraft, a product based on the same research-backed principle that plants can absorb nitrogen through the amino acid arginine—a method that reduces groundwater leakage while making nutrients more accessible to plants.
"The fair exceeded our expectations," says Niklas Åström, CEO of Arevo. "We were there to support Hasselfors and highlight the research behind our technology. Garden professionals were particularly interested, asking questions and eager to try the product themselves."
Växtkraft is one of Arevo’s consumer products.
At the heart of Arevo’s product lies a natural yet sophisticated chemistry. Soil carries a negative charge, while arginine is positively charged. This allows nutrients and ions to bind in the soil rather than being washed away by rain, giving plants access to them precisely when needed. The result is an environmentally friendly, highly efficient fertilizer that produces denser, healthier grass with minimal impact on nature. The product is scheduled for launch in 2026.
While the consumer-facing initiative is new, it represents only a small part of Arevo’s growth strategy.
Targeting Global Agriculture
The company’s major innovation, Arevo Booster, is now being tested at full scale across multiple continents. Field trials include growers in nine European countries, three U.S. states, and several regions in South America, including Brazil—one of the world’s largest agricultural markets.
"We’re in the final testing phase and expect more data in October," says Niklas. "Trials began in 2024, and the initial results are very promising. The products are already on the European market, but we aim to be ready for Brazil’s 2027 soybean season."
Arevo Booster is a seed treatment that helps soybeans grow stronger, giving the seeds a distinctive red coating.
Soybeans are particularly interesting because they already fix nitrogen from the air. Arevo’s product provides an additional nitrogen source while stimulating soil microorganisms, creating a biostimulatory effect that strengthens growth and resilience.
Early soybean trials show up to 13% higher yields and more stable plants, even with an active ingredient dosage as low as 40 grams per hectare.
"It’s remarkable—a small dose with such a clear impact," says Niklas.
Capital and Expertise to Scale
Arevo recently raised SEK 80 million to scale production and move the technology from pilot to industrial scale.
Investors include Industrifonden, Fort Knox, Navigare Ventures, and Stora Enso—experienced in building international companies. At the same time, the board has been strengthened with high-profile industry experts, including Maria Wetterstrand, former spokesperson for Sweden’s Green Party, bringing extensive experience in sustainability and EU affairs.
"Having strong investors and experienced advisors is invaluable as we transition from research to global commercialization," says Niklas.
Arevo currently holds 68 patents related to the use of arginine phosphate in fertilizers. Unlike many plant nutrients, its product contains no living microorganisms, allowing storage of up to two years without loss of efficacy. Precise control of amino acid composition ensures batch-to-batch consistency—a rare stability in the fertilizer industry.
The company has grown from 10 to 17 employees in two years and is now recruiting additional agricultural experts to meet increasing demand.
"That expertise isn’t readily available locally, so we develop it internally and test directly on our customers’ fields. It builds trust," says Niklas.
The greenhouse at Dåva, just outside Umeå, has greatly supported Arevo’s research and development efforts.
Driving Systemic Change
The global fertilizer market is worth over SEK 2 trillion and faces major environmental challenges. Arevo’s technology has the potential to cut nitrogen emissions by up to 75% at planting—and in some cases, approach zero.
"Modern fertilizers have helped feed the world’s population, but continuing on the same path will destroy our soils. We need better solutions, and this is part of the answer," Niklas explains.
The goal is to replace mineral fertilizers while improving farmers’ profitability.
"The cost per hectare should be a net positive for the farmer. Choosing sustainable solutions should pay off," he says.
For Arevo, growth is about taking steady steps—from forests to farmland, from Europe to Brazil—while proving that research from northern Sweden can help reshape global agriculture.
"We aim to build an entire industry from this. It will take time, but we’re on the way," Niklas concludes.
Caption: Niklas Åström, CEO of Arevo, explains their research, which focuses in part on soybean plants.
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