April 12, 2016

Wonderful Citrus, the largest integrated citrus grower, packer, and shipper in the U.S., has announced agreements to acquire I. Kunik Company, a Texas-based distributor of Persian limes grown in Mexico, and the operations of Mexican lime grower and global supplier, B&S Grupo Exportador S.A. de C.V. – both for undisclosed amounts. Included in the agreements is the purchase of 1,944 acres of lime orchards in Veracruz and Puebla, Mexico. With this additional acreage, Wonderful will have a total 7,100 acres of lime orchards and will be the largest producer of limes in the country of Mexico. The acquisitions will also strengthen Wonderful’s vertical integration initiatives within the lime industry.

“The addition of this infrastructure and supply of Persian limes provided by these major acquisitions is a perfect complement to the other citrus varieties we already offer,” said David Krause, President of Wonderful Citrus in acompany statement. “This will enhance our ability to be the ultimate one-stop shop for citrus for our customers across all channels, and round out Wonderful Citrus’ basket of fresh citrus offerings.”

Based in Delano, California, Wonderful Citrus is a part of the privately held, $4.8 billion Wonderful Company which includes Wonderful Pistachios, PON Wonderful, Wonderful Halos, FIJI Water, JUSTIN Wine Products, and Telaforaflower delivery service. Wonderful Citrus is the leading U.S. grower, shipper, packer, and distributor of clementine, mandarin, navel, and Valencia oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits and other fruits.

Upon the successful closing of the deal, I. Kunik, which is located on the U.S./Mexican border and includes a 65,000 square foot packing and cold storage facility, will be renamed Wonderful Citrus, I. Kunik Division, and will serve as Wonderful’s main distribution center for Persian limes to the U.S. and Canadian markets. Meanwhile, B&S, which includes a 264,000 square foot packing facility, will continue to grow, supply, and pack Persian limes for exports to the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Asia.

Mexico has remained the world’s top producer of limes according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), producing 2.19 million tons in 2013/14 and 2.26 million tons in 2014/15. The U.S. has been ranked fourth, producing 748,000 tons in 2013/14 and 816,000 tons in 2014/15.