London, September 17, 2024 – Agroberries, a leading producer, marketer and distributor of berries, announced today the acquisition of BerryWorld Group Holdings Limited, the largest marketer of berries in Europe. The transaction, which marks a milestone in the industry, establishes a new benchmark for soft fruits, with a high level of global diversification and a vertically integrated platform from genetics to production and marketing, very well positioned to serve the growing demand for berries from consumers around the world.

Driven by wellness and snacking trends, demand for berries, known for their exceptional nutritional value, continues to accelerate and is expected to lead growth within the fresh fruit category. This growth has also been driven by the introduction of new premium varieties, a trend that has benefited not only consumers but also berry producers.

The combined company will market approximately 150.000 tons of blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries annually, originating from its own production base of more than 3.000 hectares, as well as from a large group of associated producers in more than 30 countries. Vertical integration will strengthen the sustainability of its products, with berries developed from a combination of proprietary varieties and programs based on long-term alliances with leading global geneticists. Distribution will be carried out through its own commercial platforms, and state-of-the-art refrigeration and packing assets, located close to the production and consumption centers, thus ensuring the highest quality of its products and services.

Continental Grain Company (Conti), a global investor specializing in food and agribusiness, which had already invested in Agroberries in 2022, announced a new capital contribution and renewal of its commitment to the company in the context of this transaction. As a long-term partner, Conti will continue to use its vast international network and operational expertise to drive the development and expansion of the business into new geographies and support its strategic development.

Jorge Varela, Co-Founder and CEO of Agroberries, will lead the combined company. Jorge highlighted: “This transaction is a transformational milestone in our 58-year joint history. The integration with BerryWorld will increase our capabilities and allow our customers access to more exclusive berry varieties throughout the year, in addition to opening doors to new markets for our producers, and creating a robust platform to continue driving organic and inorganic growth.”

Adam Olins, Co-Founder and CEO of BerryWorld Group, will continue to lead BerryWorld Group. Adam added: “The BerryWorld Group team is ready to take the next step and we found the ideal partners in Agroberries. Having worked together for some time, I am convinced that our organizations share values, a culture and commitment to sustainability. We will work tirelessly together to serve the ever-evolving needs of consumers around the world.”

Carlos Poblete, Co-Head of Conti Direct Investments, commented: “Given its diversified production base, the strength of its marketing platforms, and the high genetic and varietal quality of its programs, the combined company will continue to bring supermarkets and consumers the highest quality fruit in all four berry categories.”

About Agroberries
Founded in 1996, Agroberries is a vertically integrated company, leader in the production, marketing and distribution of fresh berries, serving a select base of leading global supermarkets year-round. Based in Chile, and with marketing platforms in the United States and the Netherlands, the company offers a wide variety of conventional and organic berries of the highest quality.

Agroberries is a recognized global leader and pioneer in the production and handling of berries. The company has first-class agricultural production operations and packing assets in both hemispheres, and a vast network of strategic alliances throughout the Americas. Agroberries' partners, directly involved in the management of the business and committed to the consistency of their service and high product quality, have developed a solid, diversified platform with the highest traceability standards. www.agroberries.cl

About BerryWorld Group
Founded in 1994, BerryWorld Group is one of the largest berry distributors in the world, with an extensive and growing global presence. The company is led by a highly recognized team in the industry, focused on meeting the ever-evolving needs of consumers in more than 37 countries, which it serves through its integrated operations structure.

BerryWorld Group is recognized for its world-leading varietal development program, which has resulted in multiple award-winning proprietary varieties. This, combined with its extensive and established network of experienced growers, ensures year-round supply of all four berry categories to serve an ever-growing demand. BerryWorld Group has a strong consumer focus, based on a dynamic proprietary data model, which has served as the basis for leading global supermarkets to continue developing the category. At the same time, the company has an extensive portfolio of premium products under its own brands. BerryWorld Group also operates in the prepared fruit segment, where it supplies a wide variety of customers with premium products, evidence of a broad value chain oriented around a unique focus on consumer needs. www.berryworld.com

About Continental Grain Company
Conti is a global investor, owner and operator of companies with more than 200 years of experience in the food and agribusiness sector. The firm seeks to create long-term value by providing know-how, capital and human talent to companies ranging from market leaders to high-potential startups.

Conti builds platforms with strategic partners and management teams where it can leverage its global experience in food manufacturing, marketing and distribution. Conti invests with a long-term mindset, focusing on projects that seek to create lasting value and a sustainable, efficient and healthy supply chain for the food industry.

Conti combines talent, ideas and resources to build businesses that feed the world. For more information visit www.continentalgrain.com