Unifrutti Group says it has agreed to acquire Sociedad Exportadora Verfrut S.A. (Verfrut), a South American fruit producer and exporter.
Verfrut has fresh produce grower and exporter operations in Chile and Peru, according to a news release. Unifrutti said the acquisition supports its strategy of building a globally diversified premium fruit platform, while complementing its product offering by adding a strong table grape and cherry platform to its existing fruit basket.
Established in 1996, Verfrut has a fresh produce presence in Chile and Peru, where it operates over 18,532 acres of fully integrated farming and processing facilities, according to the release. Verfrut grows a variety of crops, including grapes, cherries, apples and blueberries; it’s one of the largest exporters of grapes in Peru and relies on a robust commercial and distribution network in the U.S., the European Union, South America, and China, according to the release. Last year the company exported more than 15 million boxes.
Unifrutti said the acquisition is an important step in expanding its integrated and sustainable global multifruit platform. With Verfrut’s inclusion, Unifrutti becomes a major fruit company in Chile, one of the largest production centers for grapes and cherries globally, and a leading apple player in the southern hemisphere, the release said.
The company said the transaction also extends its reach into Peru, a key hub in the fresh produce sector. This move aligns with Unifrutti’s objective to meet increasing global demand for premium, high-quality fruits, emphasizing its commitment to sustainable growth and reinforcing its leadership in the dynamic global fruit industry, according to the release.
Unifrutti Group, founded in 1948 by Guido de Nadai, has land in Chile, Italy, the Philippines and South Africa. The group serves more than 50 countries year-round, distributing approximately 500,000 tons of fresh fruit to over 500 customers, according to the release.
Unifrutti Group is part of ADQ, an Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company with a portfolio of enterprises spanning key sectors of the United Arab Emerates’ economy. The acquisition also extends access to a wider range of premium produce for the group’s customers, with consistent, secure and diversified supply, according to the release.
Completion of the purchase is subject to satisfaction of closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, the release said. After completion, Unifrutti said it would maintain Verfrut’s global operations, ensuring business continuity.
“Our acquisition of Verfrut is a strategic milestone, propelling Unifrutti’s growth and reinforcing our commitment to excellence and innovation,” Mohamed Elsarky, group CEO of Unifrutti, said in the release. “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.”
Verfrut founder and President Romano Vercellino said in the release that the transaction makes sense.
“We are making an excellent decision with this transaction,” Vercellino said. “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.”
