Agroberries, a Chilean company dedicated to the production, commercialization, and distribution of berries, has announced the acquisition of BerryWorld Group Holdings Limited, the largest berry marketer in Europe. This acquisition positions Agroberries as the second-largest berry company globally.
The transaction marks a milestone in the industry, establishing a new benchmark for the berry sector. The combined company will have a high level of global diversification and a vertically integrated platform from genetics to production and commercialization, well-positioned to meet the growing consumer demand for berries worldwide.
“This transaction is a transformational milestone in our 58-year shared history. The integration with BerryWorld will enhance our capabilities, providing our clients with access to more exclusive berry varieties year-round. It will also open doors to new markets for our growers and create a robust platform for continued organic and inorganic growth,” stated Jorge Varela, co-founder and CEO of Agroberries, who will lead the combined company.
Meanwhile, BerryWorld’s co-founder and CEO, Adam Olins, emphasized that Agroberries represents the ideal partner for the company.
“The BerryWorld Group team is ready to take the next step, and we found the perfect partners in Agroberries. After working together for some time, I am convinced that our organizations share common values, culture, and a commitment to sustainability. Together, we will work tirelessly to meet the ever-evolving needs of consumers around the world,” he said.
Olins will continue to lead BerryWorld Group.
Carlos Poblete, Co-Head of Conti Direct Investments, commented: “Given its diversified production base, the strength of its commercial platforms, and the high-quality genetics and varieties in its programs, the combined company will continue delivering the highest quality fruit to supermarkets and consumers across all four berry categories.”
Agroberries currently has plantations in various parts of the world, including Chile, Peru, Mexico, the United States, and Morocco. In 2023, Agroberries acquired a 23% minority stake in BerryWorld.
The combined company will market around 150,000 tons of blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries annually, sourced from its own production base of over 3,000 hectares, as well as from a broad network of associated growers in more than 30 countries.
This vertical integration will bolster the sustainability of its products, with berries developed through a combination of proprietary varieties and long-term partnerships with leading global geneticists.
Distribution will be managed through their own commercial platforms and state-of-the-art cold storage and packing facilities, located near production and consumption centers, ensuring the highest quality of products and services.
Continental Grain Company (Conti), a global food and agribusiness investment specialist, which had already invested in Agroberries in 2022, announced a new capital injection and renewed its commitment to the company in the context of this transaction. As a long-term partner, Conti will continue leveraging its vast international network and operational expertise to drive the business’s development and expansion into new geographies and support its strategic growth.
