Coir substrate might seem like a default option in the horticultural industry nowadays, but when Botanicoir was founded 20 years ago, coir was still a relatively new concept for many horticultural markets. "Our role has always been to act as a bridge between raw material supply and the needs of professional growers", recalls Kalum Balasuriya. "Over the past 20 years, we've become known for reliability, service, and quality. For many growers, we're not just a supplier but a partner in their success."
© Daan Sturm | HortiDaily.comSamantha and Kalum Balasuriya celebrated the milestone at Fruit Logistica 2025.
Different market
It's hard to imagine, but it has really been 20 years since Kalum, together with Samantha and Chaminda Balasuriya, started their family company Botanicoir. The market was very different at the time: less globalised, less specialised, and much smaller in terms of coco coir usage. "Many growers were cautious about making the switch," Kalum recalls. Still, within two years, the company entered the European market, supplying the largest tomato grower in Spain with coco coir. By now, their coir products are being used in over 60 countries across the world.
Innovation, reliability and partnering with growers
What set the company apart was its commitment to listening to growers, refining products based on their needs, and guaranteeing consistency in quality. "There was a clear gap for a supplier that could combine innovation, reliability, and close partnerships with growers. We set out to create not just a product, but a trusted brand that growers could rely on year after year. By building long-term relationships and focusing on service as much as product, we were able to establish Botanicoir as a reliable partner in the industry."
Right: Precision Start Propagation Coir
He explains Botanicoir has always been a grower-focused, innovation-driven company with deep roots in the industry. This shows in their product portfolio. Back in 2008, the company introduced the compressed, buffered grow bags into the UK soft fruit market, and they have continuously innovated with the product. This includes the launch of Precision Plus (launched in 2012); Precision Plus Ultra (2017); biodegradable packaging (2019); and Precision Start propagation coir (2024).
"Our focus has always been, and continues to be, on innovation, sustainability, and collaboration," Kalum says. "Our role has always been to act as a bridge between raw material supply and the needs of professional growers, delivering products that make a real difference in crop performance."
The founders, back in 2005
Different crops
Botanicoir has grown to be strongly engaged in the berry, salad, and vegetable markets. "These continue to be core to our business. We also see increasing opportunities in vertical farming and controlled-environment agriculture, where consistency and reliability of substrate are crucial. As sustainability becomes an even greater priority, we are working with growers across sectors who are looking for solutions that support both productivity and environmental responsibility."
"Medicoir, our dedicated brand for the medicinal cannabis industry, has also seen strong growth," Kalum continues. "The medicinal cannabis market continues to expand globally, with new regions opening up as regulations evolve. Our focus has been on supporting growers with bespoke solutions tailored to the unique needs of cannabis cultivation, including very clean, consistent growing media, and this has positioned Medicoir as an innovative, trusted partner in a rapidly developing sector. We see this market continuing to grow, and Medicoir will evolve alongside it."
In 2018, production in India was expanded
Challenging market
Reliability has proven to be key in the coco industry and in the substrate industry as a whole. Especially this year, shortages in the market have created challenging times for growers and suppliers.
Over the years, Botanicoir partnered with Legro, expanded its original facilities in Sri Lanka and also began production in India. The company was also the first coir manufacturer to install a drying facility, ensuring year-round production. "Our long-term relationships with growers and suppliers give us resilience in times of raw material shortages. Because we've invested heavily in our own infrastructure, drying capacity, and sustainable sourcing, we are able to maintain reliability of supply, even when the wider market faces constraints," Kalum says.
© Botanicoir
Upgraded drying
Recently, they upgraded their drying operation, effectively doubling the coir production capacity. "Expanding our drying capacity is part of ensuring that we can meet the needs of growers reliably while also reducing bottlenecks in supply. It's one of the reasons why Botanicoir today is recognised as one of the leading suppliers of coir substrates worldwide, with a strong network of partners and a reputation for quality."
He adds the company is investing in new product development, working closely with research institutions and growers, and building long-term sustainability into every part of our supply chain. "We see a future where Botanicoir continues to grow globally while helping the horticultural industry move towards greener, more efficient practices."
For more information:
Botanicoir
[email protected]
www.botanicoir.com
