Nestlé has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Terrafertil, a major producer of goldenberries, a healthy berry variety that helps to detoxify the body and strengthen the immune system.
The group said that the investment means that Nestlé is well-positioned to be a leader in the plant-based food segment in the Americas, with the addition of the Nature's Heart and Essential Living Foods brands, which are part of the Terrafertil family.
Terrafertil, which was founded in 2005, sources its products from small growers and local communities in Colombia and Ecuador.
Since its launch it has expanded its reach to the United States, Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, and the United Kingdom, and is also available in 17 other global markets through third-party alliances.
Organic Options
“Consumers these days are increasingly looking for organic and natural food with high nutrient content," commented Laurent Freixe, CEO of Nestlé Zone Americas.
"We are delighted to have Terrafertil as part of the Nestlé family, as we believe that they have built an exceptional foundation in providing consumers with a wide range of high-quality modern nutrition products. This investment allows Nestlé to strengthen its presence in fast-growing categories such as healthy plant-based foods, beverages and snacks. It is also aligned with our vision to be the leading nutrition, health and wellness company.”
The company will continue to be managed independently, by two of its three founders, brothers David and Raul Bermeo.
"We will synergise the innovative spirit of Terrafertil with the strength of Nestlé in developing brands," the brothers commented on the deal. "We will combine forces to grow distribution, accelerate Research and Development, expand our marketing efforts, and most importantly, expand the positive impact we have on the communities and ecosystems where we operate.”
© 2018 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Stephen Wynne-Jones. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
