AgroFresh, a global agtech innovator and leader in post-harvest produce freshness solutions, has acquired Tessara, a post-harvest solutions provider, from Carlyle, a global investment firm. The acquisition expands AgroFresh’s portfolio in food waste reduction and freshness solutions for table grapes and berries, strengthening its presence in growing regions in South Africa, China, Australia, and South America.
Tessara, founded in South Africa in 1988, is a leading provider of SO2 solutions for table grapes, berries, and flowers, safeguarding over $3 billion worth of fresh produce annually in more than 30 countries. The acquisition aligns with AgroFresh’s strategy of leveraging science-based solutions to advance freshness in the global produce industry.
Clinton Lewis, CEO of AgroFresh, sees the acquisition as an opportunity to enhance the company’s diversification strategy and better support customers worldwide in providing sustainable fresh produce. He looks forward to integrating Tessara’s innovative team into AgroFresh’s operations.
Rabobank served as Carlyle’s exclusive financial advisor for the transaction, while Morrison & Foerster and Bowman Gilfillan acted as legal advisors for AgroFresh.
The transaction’s completion is subject to clearance by the South Africa competition authorities.
About AgroFresh: AgroFresh is an AgTech innovator and global leader focused on preventing food loss and waste while conserving the planet’s resources. They offer science-based solutions, data-driven digital technologies, and high-touch customer services to support growers, packers, and retailers across the food supply chain. With 40 years of post-harvest experience, AgroFresh’s comprehensive portfolio includes plant-based coatings, equipment, and proprietary solutions that improve freshness throughout the supply chain. Their flagship product, the SmartFresh Quality System, has been instrumental in revolutionizing the apple industry for over two decades.
For more information about AgroFresh and Tessara, visit their respective websites at https://www.agrofresh.com/ and https://www.tessara.co.za/. For media inquiries, contact Rochelle Ripp Schnadt at agrofreshmedia@co-nxt.com.