The purchase of the Fondaco Nuovo operation, specialising in Tarocco blood oranges, strengthens Unifrutti’s dual-hemisphere supply model
Unifrutti Group has announced the acquisition of Sicily-based citrus operation Fondaco Nuovo.
According to Unifrutti, the purchase ”marks a milestone in the group’s growth”, reinforcing its strategy to expand owned production and strengthen its position in the European citrus market.
Located in the heart of Sicily’s citrus-growing region in the foothills of Mount Etna, Fondaco Nuovo spans approximately 400ha across two farms.
It is described as a “significant base” for premium Tarocco blood oranges, which are PGI protected as Arancia Rossa di Sicilia.
The acquisition increases Unifrutti’s presence in Sicily, more than doubling its total controlled area in Italy to approximately 670ha and building on an existing footprint established through the acquisition of Oranfrizer in 2020.
The group confirmed that the investment reinforces its focus on Europe as a core market, building an integrated, production-led platform.
The full range at Fondaco Nouvo includes early Tarocco – notably the Ippolito and Lempso varieties – late clones such as Tarocco Sant’Alfio and Meli, Mandarins including Mandared and Tacle, as well as limes and finger limes.
By increasing owned production, Unifrutti said it aims to ensure greater consistency, quality and reliability for its customers.
The acquisition strengthens Unifrutti’s dual-hemisphere supply model, linking Italy with its Southern Hemisphere operations to enable year-round citrus availability.
It also creates a scalable platform to deepen relationships with European retailers, supporting long-term growth through a high-quality supply over an extended period.
“This investment marks an important step in strengthening our European platform,” said Mohamed Elsarky, chief executive officer of Unifrutti Group.
”By expanding our presence in Sicily, we are securing a premium supply at origin and reinforcing our ability to deliver consistent quality and reliability to our customers in a wider retail window.
”Europe sits at the heart of our dual-hemisphere model, delivering year-round supply to our customers,” Elsarky added.
”This investment reflects our long-term commitment to building an integrated, resilient and value-driven business.”
Mauro Benda, chief executive of Unifrutti Italy and CFO Unifrutti Group, noted that Sicily is globally recognised for premium citrus, especially blood oranges and other prized varieties.
”The acquisition of Fondaco Nuovo is a significant step for Unifrutti, more than doubling our owned citrus production and building on the strong foundation established with Oranfrizer in 2020,” he added.
“Expanding our footprint reflects our ambition to grow sustainably and with purpose.”
