Key Takeaways:
- Unifrutti, a global leader in premium fresh fruits, has acquired 100% of Verfrut, a major South American fruit producer and exporter.
- Verfrut, established in 1996, is a prominent fresh produce company in Chile and Peru with over 7,500 hectares of integrated farming and processing facilities.
- This acquisition marks a significant expansion for Unifrutti, enhancing its position in the global fruit market, particularly in grapes, cherries, and apples.
- The deal aligns with Unifrutti’s goal of meeting the growing global demand for high-quality fruits and emphasizes its commitment to sustainable growth.
- The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and will maintain Verfrut’s global operations post-completion.
Unifrutti’s Strategic Acquisition of Verfrut
Unifrutti Group, a leading entity in producing and distributing premium fresh fruits, has announced its acquisition of Verfrut, a key player in the South American fruit production and export sector. This acquisition represents a pivotal step in Unifrutti’s strategic expansion.
Verfrut’s Impact on the Fruit Industry
Verfrut has established itself as a leading force in the fruit industry with a substantial presence in Chile and Peru. It operates over 7,500 hectares of fully integrated farming and processing facilities. Known for its diverse crop range, including grapes, cherries, apples, and blueberries, Verfrut is the largest exporter of grapes in Peru. Its robust commercial and distribution network spans the US, the EU, South America, and China, making it a valuable asset for Unifrutti.
Enhancing Unifrutti’s Global Presence
Including Verfrut in Unifrutti’s portfolio propels the latter to become a significant fruit company in Chile, a global center for grape and cherry production, and a leading apple producer in the southern hemisphere. Significantly, this acquisition expands Unifrutti’s reach into Peru, a crucial hub in the fresh produce sector.
Alignment with Global Demand and Sustainability Goals
Unifrutti’s acquisition of Verfrut aligns with its objective to cater to the increasing global demand for premium, high-quality fruits. This move is a testament to Unifrutti’s commitment to sustainable growth and solidifying its leadership in the dynamic global fruit industry. It also ensures access to a broader range of premium produce for Unifrutti’s customers, focusing on consistent, secure, diversified supply.
Regulatory Approval and Future Operations
Completing this acquisition is contingent on satisfying closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. Unifrutti is set to maintain Verfrut’s global operations post-completion, ensuring business continuity.
Executive Perspectives
Mohamed Elsarky, Group CEO of Unifrutti, highlighted the strategic importance of this deal, emphasizing it as a milestone in Unifrutti’s growth and innovation. He expressed the ambition for Unifrutti to become a leading and sustainably driven global multi-fruit company.
Romano Vercellino, founder and President of Verfrut, expressed optimism and confidence in the decision, emphasizing preserving Verfrut’s values and looking forward to the next stage of their journey.
About Unifrutti Group
Founded in 1948, Unifrutti Group is a key global player in the fresh fruit market, known for its vertical integration in production, marketing, and distribution. The Group oversees a vast landholding and serves over 50 countries worldwide, distributing approximately 500,000 tons of fresh fruit annually. Unifrutti employs over 11,000 people globally and is part of Abu Dhabi-based investment company ADQ.
About Verfrut
Verfrut, founded in 1996, has grown to be one of Peru and Chile’s largest fruit producers and exporters. The company is fully integrated, handling its produce’s growth, processing, and marketing, with a diversified product range and a solid global commercial reach.
Photo by Estúdio Bloom on Unsplash
