Del Monte acquires Sunfresh brand - Brief Article - Statistical Data Included

Eurofood, August 31, 2000

US-based fruit company Del Monte foods has announced the US$14.5m (15.9m [European Dollar]) acquisition of UniMark's Sunfresh brand, a marketer, processor and distributor of chilled and frozen fruit products. Chairman and CEO of Del Monte Foods, Richard G Wolford, was clearly pleased with the acquisition stating that "the Sunfresh line is a perfect fit with Del Monte Foods".

The deal, which will see Del Monte also acquire UniMark's distribution centre in Texas, sees the two companies enter into a long term supply contract, whereby UniMark, from its Mexican operations, will produce chilled and canned citrus products for Del Monte. "The UniMark supply agreement provides [Del Monte] with a platform to continue our strategic expansion into new, fast growing segments of the food retail industry," said Wolford. Del Monte plans to market the Sunfresh range of fruit products alongside its own Orchard Select range.

UniMark has operations in the US, Canada and Mexico, with its 1999 revenue recorded at US$66m. Del Monte foods registered net sales of US$1.5bn, and is the largest producer and distributor of quality branded fruit and vegetable products in the US.