Deal consolidates Unifrutti’s position as a leading SH table grape producer and expands offering of proprietary table grape varieties
Unifrutti Group has acquired Peruvian table grape specialist Safco from Rio King and other minority shareholders as part of its ongoing expansion strategy in Latin America.
With 560ha of production and two modern packhouses in Ica, Safco supplies premium table grapes to US retailers, with a strong focus on proprietary varieties such as Cotton Candy, Sweet Globe, and Autumncrisp.
The deal consolidates Unifrutti’s position as a leading table grape grower and exporter in the Southern Hemisphere, with more than 4,300ha of production and annual output of approximately 15mn cartons (120,000 tonnes).
It enables Unifrutti to serve US customers seamlessly from September through June, sourcing from grape farms in Piura and Ica in Peru, Copiapó in northern Chile, and extending through central Chile. For European customers, this supply window is complemented by farms in Italy and South Africa, creating one of the most extensive global platforms in the table grape category.
Unifrutti’s CEO, Mohamed Elsarky, commented: “This acquisition marks another step in our journey to build the world’s leading sustainable multi-fruit company with a 52-week integrated supply. By integrating Safco’s premium varieties and capabilities, we reinforce our ability to serve leading retailers and distributors worldwide”.
Completion of the acquisition remains subject to customary closing conditions.
Unifrutti has significantly expanded its production footprint since its acquisition by Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company ADQ in 2022. In 2024 it acquired Verfrut, Bomarea, and AvoAmerica Peru, and today it manages 16,000ha producing over 300 fruit varieties, supplying more than 1,000 customers in over 50 countries worldwide.
