Spain-based fruit and vegetable supplier SanLucar is expanding its French operations by taking an “important stake” in Buonanno.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The Valencia-based group said in a statement that France is a key market for fruit and veg, ranking third in Europe by volume behind Italy and Germany and first in value, with a market worth €25bn ($28.9bn).
Buonanno, founded in 1969, operates as an importer and exporter of fresh produce at the Saint-Charles International Market in Perpignan, a southern French city located near the Mediterranean coast and close to the Spanish border.
The company supplies vegetables such as eggplants, peppers and zucchinis, along with lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower and tomatoes. The fruit segment includes peaches, nectarines and cherries.
Armin Rehberg, SanLucar’s CEO, said the “alliance enables us to establish a physical presence in the country, specifically in Perpignan”, and enables the SanLucar branded products and concepts to “expand in the French market, as well as increasing its business with the local retailers under their own brands”.
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By GlobalDataAs part of the expansion, SanLucar will offer its full international range to the French market.
Additionally, the company intends to utilise Buonanno’s cross-docking facility to manage its French production and support its southern operations across other countries.
“With this acquisition and strategic logistics hub, we are laying the foundation for continued growth in a key European market. This new crossdocking platform gives us the opportunity to be less than one day away from Spain, Portugal, and Italy, two days from Morocco, and we are able to deliver anywhere in France in less than 24 hours,” added Rehberg.
SanLucar’s French operation will be led by Fabien Lefebvre, who will work as business development director in the country and general manager of Buonanno.
Phillip Arroyo will remain president of Buonanno during a transition phase until the end of the year.
Founded in 1993 by Stephan Rötzer, SanLucar employs over 4,000 people across Europe, South Africa, and Latin America.
Its portfolio includes grapes, berries, and exotic fruits such as pineapple, avocado, and passion fruit.
SanLucar also offers vegetables such as peppers, asparagus, and onions, along with smoothies, ice cream, flowers, plants, and olive oil.
