Unifrutti, a premium fresh fruits production and distribution firm, has acquired 100% of Sociedad Exportadora Verfrut S.A. (Verfrut), a key South American fruit producer and exporter.
Established in 1996, Verfrut is a prominent fresh produce player with presence in Chile and Peru, where it operates over 7,500 hectares of fully integrated farming and processing facilities. Verfrut grows a wide array of crops, including grapes, cherries, apples and blueberries, is renowned as the largest exporter of grapes in Peru and relies on a robust commercial and distribution network in the US, the EU, South America, and China.
This acquisition represents an important step in expanding Unifrutti’s integrated and sustainable global multi-fruit 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. Furthermore, this acquisition strategically extends Unifrutti’s 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. The acquisition also extends access to a wider range of premium produce for the Group’s customers, with consistent, secure, and diversified supply.
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, said: “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.”