Bayer, a global leader in agricultural innovation, has announced a major expansion of its partnership with M2i Group, a French biotechnology company specializing in pheromone-based pest control. The new development and distribution agreement gives Bayer exclusive rights to distribute M2i’s pheromone gel technology across key international markets, including the Asia-Pacific region, Latin America, and the United States. This marks a significant step forward in the companies’ shared mission to offer sustainable, residue-free crop protection solutions on a global scale.
This agreement builds upon a successful collaboration that began in 2023, which initially focused on selected markets in Europe and Africa. Under that earlier arrangement, Bayer became the exclusive distributor of select M2i products aimed at managing lepidopteran pests (such as moths and caterpillars) and certain sucking insects affecting crops like pome and stone fruits, grapes, and tomatoes. With the partnership now moving into new geographic territories, Bayer and M2i are poised to accelerate the global adoption of innovative pheromone-based biological solutions for pest control.
Expanding a Successful Model
Ralf Glaubitz, Head of Crop Protection Product Team Fungicides, Biologics, and Fruits & Vegetables at Bayer’s Crop Science division, emphasized the importance of effective and sustainable solutions in modern agriculture.
“Effective products with low or no residue are an important part of Bayer’s biological portfolio. Through these strategic partnerships, we are able to broaden the crop protection toolbox and provide farmers with more environmentally conscious options to support their farming operations,” Glaubitz said. “We are excited to strengthen our collaboration with M2i and further enhance Bayer’s existing biological portfolio with these next-generation tools.”
The expanded partnership aligns with Bayer’s broader strategy to promote biologicals as a key component of its crop protection offerings. Biological products, including pheromone-based controls, offer multiple benefits: they target specific pests without harming beneficial organisms, they reduce chemical residues in crops, and they support integrated pest management systems that are better for ecosystems and long-term soil health.
Unique Press Technology: Innovation in Action
At the heart of M2i’s product line is its proprietary Press technology, which delivers pheromones in a thick, long-lasting gel formulation. The pheromone gel is dispensed from a pressurized container, enabling precise application directly onto crops. This method offers significant advantages over traditional pest control systems, including reduced plastic waste, improved ease of use for growers, and a more consistent release of pheromones into the environment.
“In our Press technology, pheromones are formulated into a dense gel that’s dispensed directly from a reusable bottle,” explained Phillippe Guerret, CEO of M2i Group. “It eliminates the need for plastic hangers or dispensers, reducing environmental impact. The system is designed not only for efficacy and sustainability but also for convenience—growers save time, resources, and effort while protecting their crops more efficiently.”
Guerret added that the success of this innovation in European and African markets has created strong momentum for global distribution. “We are thrilled to see this sustainable technology gain traction worldwide. This partnership with Bayer enables us to deliver our innovations at scale, bringing high-impact, eco-friendly pest control to more farmers across more regions.”
Real-World Impact: Success Stories Across Continents
Since the original agreement in 2023, Bayer and M2i have launched several products under the VYNYTY Press brand in Europe and parts of Africa. These products have demonstrated both environmental and economic benefits for growers.
One standout success is VYNYTY Tuta Press, which targets the tomato leafminer (Tuta absoluta), a destructive pest for tomato crops. The product has seen rapid adoption among growers in Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands, as well as in North African and Middle Eastern countries such as Morocco and Turkey. Feedback from farmers has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the product’s ease of application, effective control, and lack of chemical residues.
Meanwhile, in South America, Bayer and M2i have been piloting the Press technology in Chile to combat Lobesia botrana, a moth species that damages grapes. After two years of successful field trials under local conditions, the product has now been formally launched for use in wine and table grape production—providing growers with a powerful new tool for maintaining crop quality without relying on conventional insecticides.
Integrating Pheromones into a Digital Ecosystem
A key pillar of the partnership is Bayer’s plan to integrate M2i’s pheromone technologies into a larger digital ecosystem for precision agriculture. Bayer has already begun incorporating these products into its suite of digitally enabled solutions, which include pest monitoring tools, analytics platforms, and advisory services that help farmers make informed decisions about application timing and pest management strategies.
This systems-based approach enhances the value of pheromone products by ensuring they are used optimally within broader crop protection programs. Farmers benefit from data-driven insights that reduce risk, improve timing, and boost overall effectiveness—while also supporting the transition toward more regenerative farming practices.
“Bayer’s vision of integrated pest management relies on combining synthetic and biological products with digital decision-making tools,” said Glaubitz. “With M2i’s technology, we’re not only adding a valuable new tool to the portfolio—we’re embedding it within a connected, intelligent platform that supports farmers in achieving higher productivity with lower environmental impact.”
About M2i Group
Headquartered in France, M2i Group is a pioneer in the development and manufacturing of complex molecules used in pheromone-based pest control. The company has earned a reputation as Europe’s leading pheromone producer, offering alternatives to conventional pesticides that are both effective and environmentally sound.
With a strong foundation in R&D and a commitment to green innovation, M2i has continued to push the boundaries of what is possible in biological crop protection. Its partnership with Bayer reflects a shared dedication to helping farmers manage pests sustainably while preserving biodiversity and reducing chemical usage.
