March 12, 2024

By Lynda Kiernan-Stone, Global AgInvesting Media

Global fresh fruit leader Unifrutti has had a big start to 2024. At the end of January the company announced it had agreed to acquire Verfrut, a prominent grower and exporter of fresh produce with a presence in Chile and Peru. 

Now, the company is continuing its expansion strategy, announcing the acquisition of 100 percent of Bomarea and the Peruvian operations of AvoAmerica from Boston-based Solum Partners and U.S. fresh fruit and vegetable company Alpine Fresh for an undisclosed amount. 

The two acquired companies are recognized as leading Peruvian producers of premium blueberry and avocado varieties and together own approximately 2,000 hectares of plantations that will complement Unifrutti’s existing holdings. 

Founded in 1948 by Guido de Nadai, Unifrutti’s vertically integrated business spans the entire fresh fruit value chain. With more than 14,000 hectares of land in Chile, Italy, the Philippines, and South Africa, the company is involved in production, marketing, and distribution on a global scale thanks to its direct ownership of farmland located in the different climate zones of the world. 

The company currently employs more than 11,000 people at its headquarters and has operating locations in Japan, Chile, South Africa, the Philippines, Italy, Spain, Uruguay, Turkey, the Middle East, China, and India, distributing approximately 500,000 tons of fresh fruit to more than 50 countries.

It was only a matter of weeks ago that Unifrutti’s acquisition of Verfrut extended its reach in Peru – a hub country in the fresh produce industry. Founded in 1996, Verfrut operates more than 7,500 hectares of fully integrated farming and processing facilities growing a wide range of crops including grapes, cherries, apples, and blueberries. It is renowned as the largest grape exporter in Peru with a strong commercial and distribution network in the U.S., the EU, South America, and China. 

“This expansion not only enhances our current operations but also paves the way for future growth, as we aim to become the preeminent and most sustainably driven global multi-fruit company, setting new standards in the industry,” said Mohamed Elsarky, CEO, Unifrutti referring to the company’s acquisition of Verfrut in January. 

Much like when it acquired Verfrut, Unifrutti commented on its double acquisition of Bomarea and AvoAmerica Peru, stating that the deal further positioned it to meet the growing demand for blueberries and avocados from a growing global customer base; increased its reach into key markets including the U.S. and China; and better enabled it to be a consistent supplier of premium produce on a year-round basis.

It was also noted that Bomarea and AvoAmerica Peru will continue to benefit from ongoing relationships and established commercial partnerships, including collaborations with Alpine Fresh and Westfalia Fruit. 
“The incorporation of Bomarea and AvoAmerica Peru into Unifrutti not only broadens our product range but also enhances our customer service excellence,” said Elsarky. “With blueberries and avocados being among the most desired and rapidly expanding superfruits, the addition of these companies to our portfolio perfectly aligns with our pledge to grow and supply superior-quality fruits to our customers worldwide.”

“Including Verfrut, these three acquisitions mark the initial phase of our ambitious plans to become a leading sustainable multi-fruit company globally.”

~ Lynda Kiernan-Stone is editor in chief with GAI Media, and is managing editor and daily contributor for Global AgInvesting’s AgInvesting Weekly News and  Agtech Intel News, as well as HighQuest Group’s Unconventional Ag. She can be reached at lkiernan-stone@globalaginvesting.com.

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