Fruit industry leader Unifrutti Group has significantly strengthened its foothold in Peru by acquiring table grape supplier Safco.
Although the financial specifics of the transaction remain undisclosed, this move marks a strategic expansion for Unifrutti. The acquisition involves obtaining 100% of Safco from Chilean fruit company Rio King and other minority stakeholders. Safco, which includes Global Agro Peru and Safco Peru, operates approximately 560 hectares of table grape farms along with two packhouses in Ica, Peru.
The company is known for supplying premium table grapes to US retailers, with a focus on proprietary varieties such as Cotton Candy, Sweet Globe, and Autumn Crisp. In a statement dated December 12, Unifrutti emphasized that this acquisition “consolidates” its position as a “leading” table grape grower and exporter within the Southern Hemisphere.
With this strategic move, Unifrutti’s total operating area now exceeds 4,300 hectares of table grape farms, yielding an annual production of around 15 million boxes. The integration of Safco enables Unifrutti to efficiently service US customers from September through June, sourcing from grape farms in Piura and Ica in Peru, as well as Copiapó and central areas in Chile. Additional farms in Italy and South Africa enhance its offerings for European customers.
The completion of this deal is subject to standard closing conditions. Mohamed Elsarky, CEO of Unifrutti, expressed that “this acquisition marks another step in our journey to build the world’s leading sustainable multi-fruit company with a 52-week integrated supply.” He added that integrating Safco’s premium varieties strengthens their capability to serve top retailers and distributors on a global scale.
Unifrutti’s growth strategy includes a series of acquisitions. Earlier in March 2024, the company acquired Peruvian counterparts Bomarea and AvoAmerica for undisclosed amounts. These acquisitions aim to enhance its portfolio with “premium blueberries and avocados,” enabling greater access to critical markets such as the US and China. In January of the previous year, Unifrutti solidified its position by acquiring Verfrut, a Chilean fruit supplier and exporter.
Currently, Unifrutti manages 16,000 hectares and caters to over 1,000 clients in more than 50 countries. The group employs around 29,000 individuals across key operations in Chile, Peru, Italy, South Africa, the Philippines, and Japan, with its headquarters located in the UAE.
In the broader context of the food and beverage industry trends, such acquisitions reflect the increasing demand for high-quality produce and the need for companies to adapt to food and drink consumer trends. By continually expanding its reach and portfolio, Unifrutti aims to stay ahead in the competitive food and drink business landscape.
