Supplier retains exclusive right to sell BerryWorld’s premium varieties in North America, and companies commit to continued collaboration
Mastronardi Produce, one of North America’s leading marketers of greenhouse-grown fruit and vegetables, has taken full and exclusive ownership of Mastronardi BerryWorld America.
The news came on the same day that BerryWorld Group was purchased by Mexican group Agroberries, a move which creates the world’s second-largest berry company.
The joint venture was originally formed in 2018 by Mastronardi and BerryWorld Group, a move that combined the UK-based soft fruit specialist’s breeding expertise and licensed berry varieties with Mastronardi’s extensive experience in greenhouse production.
Under the terms of the new deal, BerryWorld will no longer own any part of the company, but both companies will continue to work together to develop production and distribution of premium berries in North America.
In the meantime, Mastronardi still has access to BerryWorld’s breeding programme and, as a result, retains the exclusive right to market all of its premium varieties in North America, as well as any – strawberries, raspberries, blackberries or blueberries – that may be released in future.
“Our partnership with the BerryWorld Group over the past five years has allowed us to deliver exceptional berries to the North American market,” commented Paul Mastronardi, president and CEO of Mastronardi Produce.
“Access to these premium varieties through this association with BerryWorld has played a crucial role in establishing Mastronardi Produce as an emerging player in the North American berry market.”
BerryWorld Group president David Gray added: “This acquisition allows the BerryWorld Group to dedicate its resources to researching and developing premium, high-flavour varieties market while enabling Mastronardi to concentrate on their advanced grower network and leading marketing capabilities.”
This story was updated at 4pm UK time on 17 September to make mention of Agroberries’ acquisition of BerryWorld Group.
