Deal augments Unifrutti’s product offering by adding a strong table grape and cherry platform to its existing fruit basket
Unifrutti has acquired South American grower-exporter Verfrut as part of its strategy to build a globally diversified premium fruit platform.
Established in 1996, Verfrut is a leading supplier of fresh fruit with over 7,500ha of production in Chile and Peru. It exports more than 15m cartons of table grapes, cherries, stonefruit, apples, blueberries and other products each year.
Unifrutti said the deal marks an important step in expanding its integrated and sustainable global multi-fruit platform. It gives the group a major presence in Chile – one of the largest production centres for grapes and cherries globally and a leading apple player in the Southern Hemisphere – and extends its reach into Peru, a key hub in the fresh produce sector.
Completion of the acquisition is subject to satisfaction of closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. Post- completion, Unifrutti will maintain Verfrut’s global operations, ensuring business continuity.
Mohamed Elsarky, Group CEO of Unifrutti, commented: “Our acquisition of Verfrut is a strategic milestone, propelling Unifrutti’s growth and reinforcing our commitment to excellence and innovation.
“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.
“This transaction also resonates deeply with our shared family-owned heritage, and we are humbled and privileged to be entrusted with Verfrut’s 30-year legacy, collaboratively forging a regional champion in Chile and Peru.”
Romano Vercellino, founder and president of Verfrut, said: “We are making an excellent decision with this transaction. Verfrut is our life. After many years of hard work together with our great team, we are confident that Unifrutti will maintain our values that have guided us since the establishment of Verfrut. We look forward to the next stage of our successful journey”.
