Agricola Famosa, the Brazilian company that forms part of the Citri&Co group, is to acquire Murcia’s Melones El Abuelo. The deal creates Europe’s biggest supplier of melons and watermelons, with a turnover of around €230mn and annual sales volume of more than 320,000 tonnes of fruit.
The takeover reinforces the collaboration both companies have developed in recent years, strengthening their position as year-round suppliers from their main production origins (Spain, Brazil and Senegal) and expanding their portfolio with new varieties and products.
Both companies will retain their own management teams and brands, while seeking operational and commercial synergies focused on quality, innovation and customer service.
Celedonio Buendía, general manager of El Abuelo, commented: “The alliance with Agricola Famosa will boost the growth of El Abuelo, which will be able to go further with its traditional and new products. Agricola Famosa is a true world leader with which we have already been collaborating in recent years. The union of forces will allow us to offer first-class melons and watermelons throughout the year”.
Agrícola Famosa’s general manager, Carlo Porro, said: “This agreement consolidates our presence in key European geographies, taking advantage of El Abuelo’s proximity to the market and its solid commercial relationship with the main retailers in Europe. In addition to incorporating the tradition in the production of top-quality melons and watermelons, the alliance with El Abuelo also brings us its capacity for innovation, which will allow us to expand our portfolio with new varieties of products”.
