The merger of Spanish citrus fruit growers and suppliers, Guillem Export and Frutas Tono, has formed a powerful alliance in the food and beverage industry. This strategic collaboration brings together the expertise and resources of two prominent families – the Guillem and Vercher families – who will jointly manage the combined company.
With a vast annual capacity of over 200 million kilograms, the merged entity will dominate the market with a diverse range of citrus fruits, including oranges, mandarins, grapefruit, and lemons. These fruits are cultivated on a sprawling 3,000 hectares of prime agricultural land, primarily located in Valencia. Additional farms are strategically situated in Seville, Córdoba, Huelva, Murcia, and Tarragona.
Guillem Export, established in 1997 in Xeresa, is a leading producer with an annual output of approximately 130 million kilograms of citrus. The company employs a workforce of 1,200 dedicated professionals. President Fernando Guillem expresses great optimism, stating that the merger with Tono builds upon their successful growth strategy, marked by previous acquisitions, such as Frutas Romu’s commercial branch and Mugui Group.
Frutas Tono, founded in the late 1970s in Benifairó, Valencia, operates on 1,000 hectares and employs a workforce of 1,500. The company serves markets within the European Union and China, while Guillem Export currently exports to 26 different countries.
In the rapidly evolving food and beverage industry, both Guillem Export and Frutas Tono recognize the importance of embracing digital technologies, automation, and facility improvements. This proactive approach enables the combined business to engage in year-round citrus cultivation and remain at the forefront of food manufacturing trends.
Spanish investment company Grupo Atitlan’s acquisition of Frutas Romu in 2019 and Guillem Export’s recent purchase of the Mugui Group underline the expanding reach and ambition of the merged company. The involvement of Grupo Atitlan in this venture is yet to be confirmed. Nonetheless, the merging of these two influential entities promises substantial synergies in innovation, sustainability, and adherence to regulatory standards in the food and drink industry.
As both families express their gratitude for the support from customers and employees, they emphasize their commitment to continuous growth and cementing themselves as a beacon of excellence in the sector. With a dynamic business approach and a shared vision for success, the combined entity is poised for remarkable achievements.
