Agroberries, a global grower, marketer, and distributor of fresh berries, announced the acquisition of BerryWorld Group Holdings Limited, Europe's largest berry marketer. This transformative combination creates an industry champion with a diversified global footprint operating across the value chain and uniquely positioned to serve the fast-evolving needs of consumers around the world.
Driven by wellness and snacking trends, demand for fresh berries continues to accelerate and is expected to outpace growth in the broader fresh produce market. This growth has also been fueled by the introduction of new flavourful varieties. The berry category is set to remain one of the fastest-growing segments in fresh produce.
The combined company will commercialize approximately 150,000 metric tons of blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries per year, sourced from both its agricultural-production footprint that spans over 3,000 hectares and from associated growers across 30 countries. The vertically integrated company boasts unique proprietary breeding programs and long-term partnerships with leading breeders around the world to sustainably produce high-quality berries. It will leverage its fully owned, best-in-class marketing platforms and distribution facilities located near key production and sourcing areas and end-markets to ensure the highest quality, traceability, and service levels to its clients.
Continental Grain Company (Conti), the global food and agribusiness investor, first invested in Agroberries in 2022 and increased its investment and commitment to the company in connection with the transaction. As a long-term partner, Conti will continue to use its international network and operating expertise to support the strategic development and expansion of the combined business.
Jorge Varela, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Agroberries, will serve as Global CEO of the combined entity. Jorge highlighted: "This transaction is a transformational milestone in our 58 years of combined history. It will enhance our capabilities, allowing our customers year-round access to more proprietary berry varieties, giving our growers access to new end-markets, and creating a platform for further organic and inorganic growth".
Adam Olins, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of BerryWorld Group, will continue to lead BerryWorld Group. "The BerryWorld Group team is ready to take the next step and we found the ideal partners in Agroberries. After working together for some time, I have the conviction that our organizations are united by shared values, a strong culture, a passion for growing and delivering top-quality berries, and a dedication to sustainability. Together we will continue to set new standards for excellence in the berry industry".
Carlos Poblete, the Co-Head of Conti Direct Investments, commented: "Based on its diverse production base and strong marketing platforms, underpinned by some of the best fruit genetics in the world, the combined platform will continue innovating and delivering the highest quality berries to retailers and consumers around the world".
For more information:
Agroberries
Laudan Chaffin
[email protected]
BerryWorld Group
Charlotte Knowles
[email protected]
Conti
Sam Telzak
[email protected]