GreenFruit Avocados, a prominent avocado supplier based in California, has been acquired by a consortium of seasoned industry professionals. This acquisition is part of a growing trend in the food and beverage industry, where strategic consolidations are becoming crucial for competitive advantage.
The group of investors includes Scott Bauwens and Jamie Johnson, who are partners in Simpatica, another California avocado grower. They are joined by Jim Donovan, a former executive at Mission Produce, and the Spanish investment firm Tahuaycani. Tahuaycani has established connections with the Peru-based avocado producer Agrícola Cerro Prieto (ACP Agro), further enhancing its investment portfolio.
Through a newly established holding company named Last Mile, the consortium acquired 100% of GreenFruit. The acquisition is also supported by Ospraie Management, a New York-based investment firm. Notably, financial terms of this transaction have not been revealed.
GreenFruit emphasizes that maintaining positive relationships with customers and growers will remain a top priority for all parties involved. Under the new leadership structure, Scott Bauwens will resign as CEO of Simpatica to take on the role of GreenFruit’s full-time chief executive.
Jim Donovan, who dedicated 36 years at Mission Produce and most recently served as senior vice president of global sourcing, will assume the position of executive chairman of the board. Meanwhile, Brian Gomez, one of GreenFruit’s original owners, will continue as president of sales.
Bauwens commented, “This is industry-savvy ownership with real grower relationships in a vertically integrated model. We understand this business from the ground up. For growers, that means a financially stronger partner who knows their world. For retailers and distributors, that means a team with the credibility and the supply depth to deliver on what we promise.”
Founded in 2014, GreenFruit specializes in avocado ripening, cold storage, and logistics services. The company’s extensive ripening and distribution network covers Southern California, Texas, Chicago, Miami, Pennsylvania, Toronto, and Vancouver. Moreover, Mexico will remain a core focus in its sourcing model.
The company’s headquarters will continue to be in Orange County, California, while plans to expand supply operations into South America, California, Mexico, and Europe are underway. GreenFruit also noted that Tahuaycani’s connection to ACP Agro is anticipated to provide increased scale and year-round sourcing from Peru. Simpatica’s approximately 1,400 acres of avocado groves located in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Riverside counties will offer essential domestic growing capacity.
This acquisition announcement coincides with ongoing consolidation trends within the avocado category. Earlier this year, Mission Produce announced its acquisition of Calavo Growers, a fellow California supplier, in a deal valued at approximately $430 million. Such movements highlight the evolving landscape of the food and drink business, where adaptability and strategic partnerships are paramount.
