Spain-based fruit and vegetable supplier SanLucar is enhancing its footprint in France with a significant investment in Buonanno.
While the financial specifics of this transaction remain undisclosed, SanLucar emphasized that France is a vital market within the food and beverage industry. It ranks third in Europe for fruit and vegetable volume, following Italy and Germany, and is first in market value, boasting an impressive worth of €25 billion ($28.9 billion).
Founded in 1969, Buonanno plays a crucial role as an importer and exporter of fresh produce. It is located at the Saint-Charles International Market in Perpignan, a city in southern France near the Mediterranean and the Spanish border. The company’s product offerings include a variety of vegetables—such as eggplants, peppers, zucchinis, lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, and tomatoes—as well as fruits like peaches, nectarines, and cherries.
“With this alliance, we establish a physical presence in Perpignan,” stated Armin Rehberg, CEO of SanLucar. This collaboration enables SanLucar to expand its branded products and concepts in the French market, while also enhancing its business relationships with local retailers under their own brands.
As part of its growth strategy, SanLucar plans to introduce its complete range of international products to the French market. Furthermore, the company intends to utilize Buonanno’s cross-docking facility to streamline its French production and bolster operations in other southern European countries.
Rehberg noted, “With this acquisition and strategic logistics hub, we are laying the foundation for continued growth in a key European market. This new cross-docking platform allows us to connect with Spain, Portugal, and Italy within one day, reach Morocco in two days, and ensure delivery anywhere in France in less than 24 hours.”
Fabien Lefebvre will steer SanLucar’s French operations as the business development director and general manager of Buonanno, while Phillip Arroyo will continue as president of Buonanno during a transition phase through the end of the year.
Founded in 1993 by Stephan Rötzer, SanLucar employs over 4,000 people across Europe, South Africa, and Latin America. Its extensive portfolio features an array of products, from grapes and berries to exotic fruits like pineapple, avocado, and passion fruit. The company also offers a wide range of vegetables—including peppers, asparagus, and onions—along with smoothies, ice cream, flowers, plants, and olive oil.
As the food and drink business evolves, SanLucar’s strategic moves reflect changing food and drink consumer trends, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and growth in the market.