Key Takeaways
- Martori Farms has acquired SOL Group, the melon growing and distribution division of Fyffes, with operations in Honduras, Guatemala, and Miami, Florida.
- The combination establishes the largest year-round melon producer globally and the leading supplier to the North American market.
- The acquisition enables Fyffes to focus on its core categories — bananas and pineapples.
- The integrated company will offer continuous supply, expanded varietal options, and enhanced logistics for retailers and foodservice customers.
- Both companies share a commitment to product quality, sustainability, and workforce welfare.
Martori Farms Expands Global Footprint with SOL Group Acquisition
Martori Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned U.S. produce company, has announced the acquisition of SOL Group, the melon business of Fyffes, creating a combined operation that will serve as the largest year-round melon producer in the world.
SOL Group is one of the leading suppliers of winter melons to North American markets, managing farms in Honduras and Guatemala along with a distribution hub in Miami, Florida. The integration with Martori’s operations in Arizona and California establishes a continuous North-to-South growing network that ensures a 12-month supply of melons across the United States and Canada.
“This acquisition allows us to deliver on our goal of offering melons that exceed consumer expectations — melons that delight with flavor, appearance, and quality,” said Steve Martori III, CEO of Martori Farms. “By combining our expertise with SOL’s vertically integrated operations, we can now provide customers with a reliable, year-round supply supported by shared values of quality and sustainability.”
Strategic Focus and Shared Values
Founded in 1913, Martori Farms is recognized for its innovation in melon breeding and cultivation, particularly through its Kandy™ and Kandy Plus™ brands, known for enhanced flavor and consistency.
Through this acquisition, Martori will extend its breeding and production capabilities into Central America, leveraging SOL’s established infrastructure and workforce to enhance supply chain resilience and service levels.
For Fyffes, the transaction reflects a strategic focus on its core fruit categories — bananas and pineapples — allowing the company to allocate resources and expertise toward market growth and operational leadership in those sectors.
“We are proud of the progress made in our melon business over the past four years,” said Helge Sparsoe, CEO of Fyffes. “Our priority was to find a buyer that shared our values and commitment to people, sustainability, and product excellence. We are confident that under Martori’s leadership, SOL Group’s employees, land, and customers will continue to thrive.”
Commitment to Sustainability and Worker Wellbeing
Under Fyffes’ management since 2021, SOL Group underwent significant transformation, including investments in worker safety, human rights, and environmental stewardship. These initiatives included community health programs, tree-planting campaigns, and the strengthening of labor relations through collective bargaining and human rights assessments.
Martori Farms has emphasized that these commitments will continue under its ownership, aligning with its long-standing focus on responsible farming, innovation, and sustainable growth.
Industry Impact and Future Outlook For Martori Farms
The combined entity positions Martori Farms as a market leader in melons, offering:
- Global scale — Production and distribution across the U.S., Central America, and Canada.
- Year-round supply — Consistent availability of cantaloupe, watermelon, and mixed melons.
- Innovation — Joint R&D initiatives merging Martori’s genetics expertise with SOL’s agronomic knowledge.
- Sustainability — Focused resource management and community engagement.
- Service excellence — Enhanced logistics and customized retail programs.
The acquisition also provides a foundation for potential future diversification within the fresh produce sector, expanding Martori’s position as a trusted supplier for retail and foodservice partners.
