The acquisition of Sol Group will enable Martori Farms to offer year-round melon supply across North America, while Fyffes sharpens its focus on bananas and pineapples following significant investments in worker welfare and sustainability initiatives
Fyffes and Martori Farms have announced an agreement to sell Fyffes’ entire melon business to Martori, including farms in Honduras and Guatemala and the distribution business in Miami, Florida.
With the acquisition of Sol Group, the melon growing and distribution business of Fyffes, Martori Farms will offer a year-round supply of melons, strengthening its position as a leading supplier across the US and Canada.
Sol Melons stands as the largest supplier of winter melons in North America.
”This integration brings Martori Farms a truly year-round business model, while enabling Fyffes to sharpen its focus on core perennial categories – bananas and pineapples – by dedicating resources and expertise to their continued growth and market leadership,” a joint statement outlined.
With Sol Group’s vertically integrated farming and distribution network, Martori said the combined company will extend its standards – ”consistently delivering premium fruit to leading retailers and foodservice providers” – across a global footprint, providing continuous supply, broader varietal offerings, and enhanced service levels to customers.
“Our goal has always been to deliver melons that exceed consumer expectations – melons that delight with flavour, appearance, and reliability,” said Steve Martori III, CEO of Martori Farms.
“The acquisition of Sol Group allows us to extend that promise across all 12 months of the year, while working with an extraordinary team of growers who share our dedication to quality and sustainability.”
Fyffes pointed out that since the appointment of new management in October 2021, Fyffes has deployed transformational practices in its melon business.
This included investment in community welfare projects such as medical brigades, medical clinics and healthcare staff, nutrition programmes; indigenous tree planting and other environmental initiatives; enhanced labour practices and policies, including partnerships with the Honduran unions, collective bargaining agreements and human rights assessments; and upgraded machinery, and culture programmes to enhance health, safety and gender equality.
“Over the past four years, we have made significant investments in our winter melon business – enhancing quality, championing worker health and safety, upholding human rights, supporting community wellbeing, and introducing innovative practices,” explained Helge Sparsoe, CEO of Fyffes.
”The result is a business we are profoundly proud of.”
“As we searched for a buyer, our top priority was to find a company that shares our values – especially when it comes to worker wellbeing, customer service, and uncompromising quality.
”We are confident that under Martori’s leadership, Sol Group’s employees, the land, and customers will benefit from this same commitment to sustainability, innovation, and excellence.”
Martori Farms and Sol Group’s combined company’s scale will deliver ”transformative benefits” for retail and foodservice partners, the statement continued.
These benefits include the creating of the ”world’s most reliable and diversified melon supply chain”, greater consistency, innovation through expanded R&D and breeding programmes, and enhanced sustainability and customer service.
”This transaction also positions Martori Farms for continued growth, building on its leadership in melons while creating a platform for expanded produce offerings in the future,” it concluded.
