Brazilian grower-exporter Agrícola Famosa (Intermelon) has entered into negotiations to purchase Nolem’s melon production and packing operations in a move which would consolidate the company’s position as Brazil’s largest melon operator.
“Agrícola Famosa is already handling Nolem’s supply programmes with Fyffes, Total Fresh, Capespan and other importers,” Carlo Porro of Agrícola Famosa told Eurofruit Magazine. “We’re now looking to buy the farms and packing facilities.”
Fortaleza-based Nolem Comercial Importadora e Exportadora suffered “huge” financial losses, Mr Porro told the publication, and reports in the Brazilian press claim the company ceased operating at the end of last season, with the dismissal of some 1,500-2,000 workers.
Nolem is currently in administration, with the bankruptcy process expected to take a number of months to conclude. It remains unclear who will take charge of the company’s assets or, indeed, if the business will enter liquidation.
