Purchase of sub-Saharan African blueberry supplier underlines importance of achieving year-round availability of blueberries
Berry marketer Driscoll’s has agreed its second major acquisition in the space of a month, with the planned purchase of Haygrove Africa Trading, a key supplier of blueberries and other soft fruit based in sub-Saharan Africa that has sold its fruit exclusively under the Driscoll’s label for the past six years.
The addition of Haygrove Africa, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Haygrove Heaven, is expected to allow Driscoll’s to fast-track the development of its blueberry business in the region.
“This acquisition is an exciting opportunity,” commented Garland Reiter Jr., vice-president of the group’s Global Blueberry Leadership. “By directly setting the strategic vision regarding high-quality blueberries from sub-Saharan Africa in our supply portfolio, we can secure genetic advantages as well as support long-term investments that drive quality and availability, especially for our European marketplace.”
Driscoll’s recently agreed terms for the purchase of Berry Gardens Limited, the sales, packaging and distribution arm of UK supplier Berry Gardens Growers Limited.
