Fruit and Vegetable Preserving M&A
Advice on Selling Your Fruit and Vegetable Preserving Business
If you’re thinking about selling your fruit and vegetable preserving business, we are here to help. If you were to sell your business by yourself, you’d have to do all the work – from valuing and marketing it to finding buyers and completing the piles of paperwork. Although it’s possible, it’s a complicated process that comes with a plethora of roadblocks. But worry no more because we have years of experience that can help you avoid costly, time-consuming pitfalls and guide you smoothly through to the closing.
M&A Advisors to Fruit and Vegetable Preservation Companies
Like most business owners, you’ve worked hard to grow your company and deserve nothing less than the best team for support and advice when you’ve decided it’s time to consider selling. But you don’t have to search any further because Morgan & Westfield is a leading firm of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) advisors to people in the food and beverage industry. We have a proven track record of helping fruit and vegetable preserving business owners sell their companies at the best price possible. We know what today’s buyers look for in potential acquisitions, which makes us your top advocate to help you position your business in the best light. Selling a business can be challenging, but with the right advisor on your side, it doesn’t need to be. It’s easy to get started with a free consultation so we can answer your questions and talk about what you want to get out of your sale.
Do You Know the Value of Your Business?
Even if you don’t have plans to sell just yet, there’s a lot you can do now to help you be ready when the time comes. An excellent place to start is to find out what the value of your business is and what you can do now to increase its value later. For instance, we have found that most fruit and vegetable preserving company owners can benefit from strengthening their management teams and improving cash flow long before putting their businesses on the market. The bottom line is, having an outside professional assessment is worth seeing where you stand.
Types of Businesses We Sell and Value
- Canning and Packaging Manufacturers
- Dried and Dehydrated Fruits, Vegetables, and Soup Mixes
- Frozen Fruit and Vegetable Manufacturers
- Fruit and Vegetable-Based Condiment Manufacturers
- Fruit and Vegetable Juice and Beverage Manufacturers
- Fruit and Vegetable Compote and Preserve Manufacturers
- Fruit and Vegetable Concentrate Manufacturers
- Fruit and Vegetable Jam, Jelly, and Spread Manufacturers
- Fruit and Vegetable Pie and Pastry Filling Manufacturers
- Fruit and Vegetable Puree Manufacturers
- Fruit and Vegetable Salsa and Sauces Manufacturers
- Fruit and Vegetable Salad Manufacturers
- Fruit and Vegetable Suppliers
- Fruit and Vegetable Ingredient Suppliers
- Organic Preserved Fruit and Vegetable Manufacturers
- Pickled Fruit and Vegetable Manufacturers
- Preserved Fruit and Vegetable Manufacturers
Overview of the Fruit and Vegetable Preserving Industry
Definition
Fruit and vegetable preservation refers to treating, processing, and packaging fruits and vegetables to extend their shelf life and maintain their quality and nutritional value. Preserving fresh produce involves various methods such as canning, freezing, drying, pickling, and making preserves, salsa, sauces, or jam. However, it goes way beyond that, like crafting gourmet sauces, jams, pastries, and spreads and creating dried treats like banana chips, craisins, and sun-dried tomatoes. Fruit and vegetable preservation aims to ensure these perishable items can be enjoyed beyond their natural growing season, provide convenience and accessibility, enhance our diets and dishes, and minimize food waste.
Overview
The fruit and vegetable preserving industry involves processing and preserving fruits and vegetables to extend their shelf life, enhance their flavor, and make them available to consumers throughout the year. This industry is crucial in ensuring food availability, reducing food waste, and providing a wide range of preserved fruits and vegetables. The fruit and vegetable produce preservation industry specifically involves using the latest processing and preservation methods, offering a global product variety, meeting steady market demand, focusing on health and nutrition, and adhering to industry regulations, all with a focus on sustainability and innovation.
How We Got Here – A Brief History
- 1809 – Canning Developed: Nicolas Appert, a French confectioner, developed the canning method of preserving food from spoilage by storing it in hermetically sealed containers sterilized by heat.
- 1858 – Mason Jar Patented: John Mason patented the Mason jar, a glass jar with a threaded neck and a two-piece lid, which became widely used for home canning and is still popular today.
- 1862 – First Pasteurization Test Completed: Louis Pasteur successfully completed his first test on pasteurization, which was soon applied to beer, juice, eggs, and milk.
- 1920s – Mechanical Fruit Processing Equipments Developed: The development of mechanical fruit and vegetable processing equipment, such as peeling and slicing machines, increased efficiency and productivity in the industry.
- 1924 – Fast Freezing Food Process Invented: Clarence Birdseye invents the fast freezing food process, revolutionizing the frozen food industry.
- 1950s – Quality and Safety of Preserved Products Improved: Advances in canning technology, such as tin-plated steel cans and updated sealing methods, further enhanced the quality and safety of preserved products.
- 1980s – Healthier Products Marketed: Consumer focus shifted towards healthier, more natural products, leading to the development of low-sugar jams, organic preserves, and other more nutritional options in the marketplace.
- 2000s – Demand for Pre-Packaged Fruit and Vegetables Grew: The industry witnessed increasing demand for convenience foods, resulting in the development of pre-cut, pre-packaged fruits and vegetables, as well as value-added products like fruit and vegetable blends and smoothies.
- 2003 – Use of Modified Atmosphere Packaging Soared: Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) became more prevalent, allowing for a longer shelf life by controlling the gas composition around the product.
- 2010s – Consumer Demand for Organic Products Rose: Increasing consumer demand for organic and natural products led to the growth of the organic fruit and vegetable preserving segment, with companies offering organic canned, frozen, and dried products.
- 2011 – High-Pressure Processing Popularized: High-pressure processing (HPP) technology gained popularity as a non-thermal preservation method, preserving the nutritional value and freshness of fruits and vegetables without heat or additives.
- 2015 – Clean-Label Movement Emerged: The clean-label movement influenced the industry, leading to the development of fruit and vegetable preserves with minimal or no artificial additives, colors, or flavors.
- 2016 – Vacuum Frying Technology Gained Traction: Vacuum frying technology gained traction, allowing for the production of crispy and healthy fruit and vegetable snacks with reduced oil content.
- 2018 – Eco-Friendly Packaging Solutions Implemented: Sustainability became a focus in the industry, with companies implementing eco-friendly packaging solutions, reducing food waste, and sourcing locally grown produce.
- 2020 – Interest in Preserving Fruits and Vegetables Surged: The COVID-19 pandemic increased consumer interest in preserving fruits and vegetables at home, leading to a surge in home canning and freezing activities.
- 2021 – Popularity of Plant-Based Alternatives Escalated: Plant-based alternatives and innovative fruit and vegetable products, such as plant-based meat substitutes and dairy alternatives, gained popularity among consumers.
Trends That May Affect M&A Activity
The following is a list of trends that can affect future M&A activity in the fruit and vegetable preserving industry:
- Convenience and Ready-to-Eat Products: Busy lifestyles and the desire for convenient food options are fueling the demand for ready-to-eat preserved fruits and vegetables. Single-serve packs, portion-controlled options, and snack-sized formats are also gaining popularity.
- Flavor Innovation: The industry is focusing on flavor innovation by introducing unique and exotic fruit and vegetable combinations, incorporating global culinary influences, and experimenting with new tastes. This trend caters to consumer desires for variety and exciting flavor experiences.
- Health and Wellness: Increasing consumer focus on health and wellness is driving the demand for preserved fruits and vegetables with no artificial additives, lower sugar content, and clean labels. Consumers are seeking products that retain the natural, nutritional value, and flavors of the produce.
- Innovative Packaging: Packaging plays a crucial role in preserving and presenting processed fruits and vegetables. Innovative packaging technologies such as modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and vacuum packaging can help extend the shelf life of products and enhance their visual appeal.
- Organic and Natural Products: Consumers are becoming increasingly health-conscious and looking for natural and organic products. As a result, there is a growing demand for processed fruits and vegetables free from preservatives, additives, and artificial flavors.
- Plant-Based Alternatives: The rise of plant-based diets has led to the development of preserved fruits and vegetables as ingredients for plant-based meat substitutes, dairy alternatives, and vegan-friendly products. This trend caters to the increasing demand for vegetarian, vegan, and flexitarian lifestyles.
- Regional and Local Sourcing: Consumers are showing increased interest in locally sourced and regionally specific fruits and vegetables. This trend supports local farmers, reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation, and promotes a connection to the origin of the produce.
- Technological Advancements: Advancements in technology have led to the development of new processing methods that help preserve the nutritional value of fruits and vegetables. For example, high-pressure processing (HPP) and cold plasma technology can help extend the shelf life of processed fruits and vegetables while maintaining their nutritional value.
Summary of Fruit and Vegetable Preserving Mergers and Acquisitions
Summary of Acquisitions | |||||||
Target | Buyer | Transaction | |||||
Target Industry(Industry > Niche) | Target | Target Location | Buyer Industry | Buyer | Buyer Location | Date | Purchase Price |
Fresh and Frozen Produce > Blueberries | Atlantic Blue | Chile | Blueberry Producer | Hortifrut | Europe | Oct 2021 | €241m ($280m) |
Fresh Produce > Fruits, Vegetables | Dole Food | USA | Fresh Produce | Total Produce | Ireland | Nov 2021 | Undisclosed |
Fresh Produce > Fruits, Vegetables | Mann Packing | USA | Fresh Produce | Fresh Del Monte Produce | USA | Jun 2018 | $361 Million |
Fresh Produce > Fruits, Vegetables | Quality Fruit & Vegetable | USA | Food Tech | GrubMarket | USA | Jul 2022 | Undisclosed |
Fresh Produce > Roma Tomatoes, Cucumbers | Produce Connection and Spring Valley | USA | Food Tech | GrubMarket | USA | May 2022 | Undisclosed |
Fresh Produce: Salad, Meal Kits, Farm-Packed Vegetables | Dole PLC’s Fresh Vegetable Division | USA | Banana Producer | Chiquita Holdings | UK | Feb 2023 | $293 Million |
Frozen Products > Fruits, Vegetables, Ingredients | Mercer Foods | USA | Private Equity | Entrepreneurial Equity | USA | Jan 2022 | Undisclosed |
Packaged Food > Salad, Fresh Cut Fruits, Vegetables | Ready Pac Foods | USA | Vegetable Processing | Bonduelle | France | Mar 2017 | $409 Million |
Hortifrut Producer Acquired Atlantic Blue (Fresh and Frozen Produce)
- Date: October 2021
- Price: €241 Million ($280 million)
- Target: Hortifrut – The largest producer and marketer of fresh and frozen blueberries in the world, Hortifrut operates farms in Peru, Chile, Mexico, Argentina, the United States, Spain, Morocco, and China, distributing fruit to 37 countries.
- Location: Santiago, Chile
- Buyer: Atlantic Blue – One of the main producers and marketers of blueberries in Europe.
- Purpose: Hortifrut, which has maintained a partnership with Atlantic Blue since 2000, said the addition of the company’s Moroccan acreage would allow it to supply blueberries in Europe year-round. This opens up substantial new growth and investment opportunities for Hortifrut in Europe, providing a solid foundation to meet the growing demand for European customers and consumers for high-quality berries.
- Details: Hortifrut acquired Huelva-based Atlantic Blue, a leading company in the variety development, growing, and sales of berries in Europe and Northern Africa, for €241 million ($280 million). In addition to Atlantic Blue’s farms and facilities, the transaction includes the SAT processing plant, 100% of the Euroberry trading platform with annual sales of approximately €200 million, and Atlantic Blue’s variety and breeding development program for blueberries and low-chill cherries worldwide.
Total Produce Acquired Dole Food Company (Fresh Produce)
- Date: November 2021
- Price: Undisclosed Amount
- Target: Dole Food Company, Inc. – A fresh fruit and vegetable producer and marketer.
- Location: California, USA
- Buyer: Total Produce Plc – An Irish producer of deciduous fruits, tropical fruits, citrus fruits, salads, stone fruits, and vegetables.
- Purpose: The transaction will simplify the existing structure between the two companies by unifying Dole and Total Produce under common ownership to enable full operational integration, the realization of synergies, and value creation across the enlarged business.
- Details: The Total Produce and Dole Food Companies announced a binding transaction agreement to combine under a newly created U.S.-listed company, Dole PLC, making it the world’s number-one fresh produce company.
Fresh Del Monte Produce Acquired Mann Packing (Fresh Produce)
- Date: June 2018
- Price: $361 Million
- Target: Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. – One of the world’s leading vertically integrated producers, distributors, and marketers of fresh and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables.
- Location: Florida, USA
- Buyer: Mann Packing Co., Inc. – A grower, processor, and supplier of a broad variety of fresh and value-added vegetable products.
- Purpose: “We are extremely pleased about our acquisition of Mann Packing, a leader in the fresh and value-added vegetable category,” said Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh, chairman and chief executive officer of Fresh Del Monte. “Mann Packing’s strength in the vegetable category, one of the fastest growing fresh food segments, will allow us to diversify our business, leverage our distribution network and infrastructure, and increase our market reach. In addition, this transaction will provide us with synergies, enhancing our ability to better serve our combined customers and address consumers’ needs for healthier products. This acquisition is a significant step toward our goal to be the world’s leading supplier of healthful, wholesome, and nutritious fresh and prepared food and beverages for consumers.”
- Details: Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. has entered an agreement to acquire Mann Packing Co., Inc. for approximately $361 million. Headquartered in Salinas, Calif., Mann Packing is a grower, processor, and supplier of fresh vegetables, including washed and ready-to-eat cut vegetables, snack packs, and party trays.
Grub Market Acquired Quality Fruit & Vegetable Co. (Fresh Produce)
- Date: July 2022
- Price: Undisclosed Amount
- Target: Quality Fruit & Vegetable Co. – A family-owned fresh produce distributor in the West Texas, New Mexico, and Northern Mexico regions of the Southwest.
- Location: Texas, USA
- Buyer: GrubMarket Inc. – A food tech and e-commerce company operating in the U.S. and Canadian food supply chains, serving business customers and end consumers, as well as providing software-as-a-service (SAAS) solutions to digitally transform businesses throughout the food supply chain.
- Purpose: This acquisition enables GrubMarket to further strengthen its presence in Texas and officially enter New Mexico, which is a key distribution region for food in the Southwest corridor of the United States.
- Details: GrubMarket on Monday announced it has completed the acquisition of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and El Paso, Texas-based Quality Fruit & Vegetable Co. (QF&V), a fresh produce company that provides fruits and vegetables to the Southwest, sourced from the U.S., Mexico, South America and other parts of the world.
GrubMarket Acquired Produce Connection and Spring Valley (Fresh Produce)
- Date: May 2022
- Price: Undisclosed Amount
- Target: Produce Connection and Spring Valley – Fresh produce providers, most well-known for their Roma tomatoes, cucumbers, and other fresh produce, as well as their strong grower networks across the United States and Mexico.
- Locations: Texas and Arizona, USA
- Buyer: GrubMarket Inc. – A food tech and e-commerce company operating in the U.S. and Canadian food supply chains, serving both business customers and end consumers, as well as providing software-as-a-service (SAAS) solutions to digitally transform businesses throughout the food supply chain.
- Purpose: These acquisitions enable GrubMarket to further strengthen their presence in Arizona and Texas, which are key markets for the American food supply chain industry.
- Details: GrubMarket announced it has completed the acquisition of Spring Valley and its affiliate, Nogales, and Produce Connection. Produce Connection and Spring Valley are highly respected and globally-focused fresh produce companies that provide the highest quality fruits and vegetables sourced primarily from Mexico and the U.S.
Chiquita Holdings Ltd. Acquired Dole PLC’s Fresh Vegetable Division (Fresh Produce)
- Date: February 2023
- Price: $293 Million
- Target: Dole PLC’s Fresh Vegetable Division – One of the largest fresh and cut vegetable producers and distributors in North America. Dole Vegetable markets a wide range of value-added salads, meal kits, and farm-packed vegetables in North America.
- Location: California, USA
- Buyer: Chiquita Holdings Ltd. – A Swiss-domiciled American producer and distributor of bananas and other produce. The company operates under a number of subsidiary brand names, including the flagship Chiquita brand and Fresh Express salads. Chiquita is the leading distributor of bananas in the United States.
- Purpose: “The combination of both businesses, when consummated, will allow us to continue to create the best products under the Fresh Express umbrella,” said Jose Luis Catrale, chairman of Chiquita Holdings. “The anticipated cost savings from this combination will help partially mitigate the recent period of inflationary pressures experienced throughout the produce, food, and beverage sectors of the economy.”
- Details: Chiquita Holdings Ltd. has acquired Dole PLC’s fresh vegetable division for approximately $293 million. The acquired business processes different lettuce varieties, cauliflower, broccoli, celery, asparagus, artichokes, green onions, sprouts, radishes, and cabbage, as well as salads and meal kits.
Entrepreneurial Equity Acquired Mercer Foods (Frozen Products)
- Date: January 2022
- Price: Undisclosed Amount
- Target: Mercer Foods, LLC – Producer of freeze-dried fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients.
- Location: California, USA
- Buyer: Entrepreneurial Equity – A Chicago-based private equity firm focused on the food and consumer packaged goods industries and the private equity business of Mubadala Capital, an Abu Dhabi-based asset management subsidiary of Mubadala Investment Company.
- Purpose: The combination of the two businesses creates a North American market leader in freeze-dried products. The new platform will serve a variety of end markets, including fruits and vegetables, proteins, pet treats, probiotics, enzymes, and prepared meals.
- Details: Entrepreneurial Equity Partners, a Chicago-based private equity firm, has completed an investment in Mercer Foods (Mercer). The financial terms of the transactions were not disclosed.
Bonduelle Acquired Ready Pac Foods (Packaged Food)
- Date: March 2017
- Price: $409 Million
- Target: Ready Pac Foods – A leading producer of fresh packaged salads and other fresh-cut fruits and vegetables.
- Location: California, USA
- Buyer: Bonduelle – A global vegetable processing company.
- Purpose: The acquisition will benefit Ready Pac Foods through increased investment and extended geographic reach, helping drive its vision for continued growth. The company also expects an increased need for additional employees with the larger footprint and expanded distribution this acquisition brings.
- Details: The world leader in healthy living through vegetables, Bonduelle (Euronext: BON), announced it has completed the acquisition of Ready Pac Foods, the U.S. producer of convenience fresh meal solutions, salads, and fresh-cut produce, for $409 million.
Public Companies
The following is a list of public companies that operate in the specialty food industry:
B&G Foods, Inc. (NYSE: BGS): An American branded foods holding company based in Parsippany, New Jersey, formed in 1996 to acquire Bloch & Guggenheimer, a Manhattan-based producer of pickles, relish, and condiments, founded in 1889. B&G Foods manufactures, sells, and distributes a diverse range of branded shelf-stable food products, including canned fruits, vegetables, and sauces, with brands including Green Giant, Cream of Wheat, and Ortega.
Campbell Soup Company (NYSE: CPB): Doing business as Campbell’s, this American company is most closely associated with its flagship canned soup products; however, they also offer canned fruits and vegetables under various product lines.
Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG): An American consumer packaged goods holding company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Conagra makes and sells products under various brands in supermarkets, restaurants, and food service establishments. They produce a variety of food products, including canned fruits, vegetables, and sauces under brands including Hunt’s, Libby’s, and PAM.
Del Monte Pacific Limited (SGX: D03): Produces, markets, and distributes high-quality, healthy products, including packaged fruits and vegetables, juices, tomato products, and condiments.
Dole Food Company, Inc. (OTCMKTS: DOLE): A global producer and distributor of fresh and packaged fruits and vegetables, Dole offers a range of canned fruits and fruit cups in addition to their fresh produce offerings.
Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAIN): An American food company whose main focus is natural foods and botanically-based personal care products, Hain offers a wide variety of food and beverage products, including organic fruit preserves, canned fruits, and frozen vegetables.
Kraft Heinz Company (NASDAQ: KHC): Kraft Heinz is an American multinational food company formed by the merger of Kraft Foods and H.J. Heinz Company, co-headquartered in Chicago and Pittsburgh. While they are primarily known for their condiments, sauces, and processed cheese, they also offer canned fruits and vegetables.
Nestlé S.A. (OTCMKTS: NSRGF): A Swiss multinational food and drink processing corporation headquartered in Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland, Nestlé has been the world’s largest publicly held food company, measured by revenue and other metrics since 2014. They offer a variety of products, including canned fruits, vegetables, and baby food, under various brand names.
The J.M. Smucker Company (NYSE: SJM): Also known as Smuckers, this American food and beverage product manufacturer headquartered in Orrville, Ohio, was founded in 1897 as an apple butter maker. J.M. Smucker currently has three major business units, consumer foods, pet foods, and coffee, and offers a wide range of products, including fruit spreads, jams, jellies, and canned fruits.
TreeHouse Foods, Inc. (NYSE: THS): A multinational food processing company specializing in producing private-label packaged foods headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, TreeHouse offers a variety of canned fruits, vegetables, and sauces to retail and foodservice customers.
Private Equity Firms
The following is a list of private equity firms investing in the specialty food industry:
- Palladium Equity Partners: A private equity firm that invests in companies in the consumer, food, and healthcare sectors, they have a strong track record of supporting growth and value creation in their portfolio companies. Investments it has made in the industry include:
Quirch Foods – A leading distributor, importer, and exporter of protein and Hispanic food products primarily to independent and ethnic grocers in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Latin American export markets, Quirch’s extensive portfolio of owned and licensed brands includes Panamei Seafood, Mambo, Kikiri Quirch, and Chiquita Brands frozen fruits.
Second Nature Brand – Manufactures and distributes branded trail mixes, dried fruits and nut snacks, and chocolate confections nationally, including brands like Kar’s, Sanders, and Second Nature Snacks.
- Sun Capital Partners: A global private equity firm focused on partnering with outstanding management teams to accelerate value creation, Sun Capital has experience in the food and beverage industry and works closely with management teams to enhance operational efficiency and drive growth. Investments in the industry include:
Flamingo Horticulture – A vertically integrated horticultural business that grows, processes, packages, markets, and distributes cut flowers and premium prepared fresh vegetables.
Fresh Origins – A market-leading grower and shipper of microgreens and edible flowers for foodservice and retail customers across North America, Fresh Origins is known for having the widest product variety, exceptional quality and consistency, and the most rigorous food safety standards in the industry. Fresh Origins serves over 350 foodservice distributors, restaurants, and retailers.
- Swander Pace Capital: A private equity firm that invests in consumer product companies, including those in the food and beverage sector, Swander Pace has a deep understanding of the industry, providing financial resources and strategic guidance to help companies succeed. Investments it has made in the industry include:
Patriot Pickle – One of the leading refrigerated pickle suppliers in the Eastern U.S., providing retailers and foodservice customers with high-quality pickles and other fermented foods.
- The Riverside Company: A global private equity firm that invests in a broad range of consumer-branded goods companies, Riverside fosters growth through a focused approach that pairs consumer goods expertise with Riverside’s global resources. Its investments include:
Greenline Foods – A provider of fresh packaged vegetables, GreenLine Foods grows, processes, and markets farm-fresh green beans and vegetables.
Venture Capital Firms
The following is a list of venture capital firms investing in the specialty food industry:
- Finistere Ventures: A venture capital firm that seeks investments in the agriculture sector, Finistere supports startups developing innovative solutions for various sectors, including food preservation and supply chain technologies that improve the quality and shelf life of fruits and vegetables. Investments it has made are as follows:
Farmer’s Fridge – Brings fruit and veggies to vending machines, offering a selection of salads with dressing, including antioxidant, high protein, detox, Thai, Mediterranean, and more in BPA- and phthalate-free plastic jars. Smaller jars of organic meats, such as lemon pepper chicken, tuna salad, lemon tofu, and salmon salad, are sold separately.
Plenty – Offers indoor vertical farms that grow fresh, flavorful, pesticide-free greens while using a fraction of the water and land compared to conventional farms.
- PowerPlant Ventures: Operating as a venture capital firm, PowerPlant invests in emerging consumer food, beverage, and foodservice companies, providing capital and strategic guidance services in California. While their focus is far broader than fruit and vegetable preserving, they support companies offering innovative food preservation and product development solutions. Investments in the industry include:
Apeel Sciences – Adds a layer of tasteless, odorless, plant-based protection on the surface of fruits and vegetables to keep moisture in and oxygen out and makes produce last twice as long.
- S2G Ventures: A multi-stage venture capital firm that invests in food and agriculture companies with a focus on those that promote sustainability, health, and wellness in the food system, including fruit and vegetable preservation. Investments it has made in the industry are as follows:
AppHarvest – Builds some of the world’s largest controlled environment agriculture facilities, combining conventional agricultural techniques with technology to grow non-GMO, chemical-free fruits and vegetables.
Soli Organic – Passionate about a future of organic, sustainable, and affordable food for everyone, Soli is the leading grower and marketer of year-round, fresh, organic culinary herbs in the United States.
Professionals
The following is a list of professionals servicing or investing in the specialty food industry:
Angel Investors
- Alliance of Angels: A prominent angel investor network based in the U.S. that invests in a variety of sectors, including food and beverage. Investments it has made in the industry include:
Full Circle – Brings the best in farm-fresh, locally sourced, and sustainably grown organic fruits, vegetables, and other natural artisan products directly to its members’ doorsteps while connecting families with producers and making it easier to save time and money.
- Jodi Pederson: An angel investor and non-profit advisor who aims to create positive change by empowering youth and female investors and entrepreneurs, Jodi has made several investments in the food and beverage sector, including:
Matriark Foods – Rescues food waste and processes it into shelf-stable, healthy vegetable stocks and concentrates.
- Lisa Feria: Lisa Feria is an angel investor and the CEO of Stray Dog Capital, a venture capital firm that invests in alternative protein and plant-based food companies. She is interested in supporting startups that offer innovative fruit and vegetable products. Her investments include:
General Mills – General Mills offers organic canned and frozen vegetables from Cascadian Farms and Muir Glen, made with high-quality ingredients and harvested at the peak of ripeness.
Consultants
- Food Buddies: Industrial food consultants with technical, management, and design expertise, Food Buddies guides, informs, and advises clients on varied product strategies and operational management, providing their valuable clients with comprehensive domain options and the implementation of suitable solutions.
- Fruit Profits: A fresh fruit and vegetable consulting firm that works with clients worldwide to improve their fresh produce quality, analyze and improve their cold chain efficiency, reduce costs and fruit spoilage, develop and market innovative, fresh products, and develop post-harvest technologies for fresh produce preservation and improved quality.
- SCS Global Services: Offers food safety and quality consulting services to food and agriculture businesses, including program development, training and support, supply chain management, retail and food services, quality services, and food defense fraud.
- Suman Food Consultants: Since 1971, Suman Food Consultants has successfully offered result-oriented consulting services in post-harvest processing and infrastructure in the fruit, vegetable, cereal, grains, nuts, spices, marine, milk, and meat processing sectors.
Law Firms/Attorneys
- Foster Swift: Counsels all sizes and types of farm and agricultural organizations, including the largest general farm association and the principal commodity marketing cooperatives in Michigan, with an understanding of the special considerations necessary when dealing with family business issues. As a full-service law firm with nearly 100 attorneys, Foster Swift has immediate access to subject matter experts on virtually any area of business law or litigation.
- Meuers Law Firm: Founded by produce industry veteran Lawrence H. Meuers, Meuers Law Firm has been providing field-to-fork legal services to the produce industry nationwide since 1989. Their comprehensive services include everything from advice and guidance on the day-to-day challenges facing produce companies to representation in the most complicated disputes that arise for businesses in this unique industry.
- Stoke Lawrence: Respected as leaders in their fields, Stoke Lawrence’s Agriculture attorneys have many years of experience working with growers, ranchers, packers, and distributors of agricultural products, as well as the service providers who support these businesses. They understand the unique business and legal issues companies face in this industry and offer practical advice to help clients resolve problems and achieve their goals.
Fruit and Vegetable Preserving Associations
The following is a list of associations for the fruit and vegetable preserving industry:
- American Fruit and Vegetable Processors and Growers Coalition (AFVPGC): An issue advocacy organization for the benefit of its members, including family farm growers of fruits and vegetables for processing, the suppliers, and the food processors who prepare products for retail distribution and sale, the AFVPGC educates Congress on behalf of its membership in various issue areas.
- International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA): A trade association formed in January 2022 by the leaders of the former United Fresh and Produce Marketing Association, the IFPA represents companies from every segment of the global fresh produce and floral supply chain, and advocate, connect, and guide members to enhance prosperity.
- International Fruit and Vegetable Juice Association (IFU): Acts as an information and communication center and facilitator, the IFU harmonizes standards and practices for juice-containing products and the supply chain, coordinates scientific activities for the juice sector, and is the accepted forum for discussing international juice related matters.
- National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA): An all-industry trade association, the NFRA represents the interests of every segment of the frozen and refrigerated foods industry, including distributors, logistics providers, manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, suppliers, and sales agents.
Fruit and Vegetable Preserving Publications
The following is a list of publications in the fruit and vegetable preserving industry:
- Food Processing Magazine: Covers news, trends, and technologies in the food and beverage industry, including fruit and vegetable preservation articles.
- Fruit Processing Magazine: The leading B2B source of information for the international fruit processing and soft drinks industry, with articles on fruit preservation techniques, equipment, and trends.
- Fresh Produce Journal: The number-one provider of news, information, and analysis for the UK fresh produce industry, offering news, trends, and insights, such as articles on fruit and vegetable preservation techniques and industry updates.
- The Food Preservation Industry: A publication focused on the advancements, innovations, and best practices in food preservation, including fruit and vegetable preservation.
Resources (Books, Podcasts, etc.)
The following is a list of professionals servicing or investing in the fruit and vegetable preserving industry:
- Podcasts:
- The Canning Diva Podcast: Hosted by Diane Devereaux, this podcast explores the world of home canning, including techniques, recipes, and tips for preserving fruits and vegetables.
- The Food Files: From the Oklahoma State University Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center, this is a series of podcasts relating to topics in the food and agricultural industry.
Industry Information
- NAICS Code(s)
- 3114 – Fruit and Vegetable Preserving and Specialty Food Manufacturing
- 311411 – Frozen Fruit, Juice, and Vegetable Manufacturing
- 311412 – Frozen Specialty Food Manufacturing
- 311421 – Fruit and Vegetable Canning
- 311422 – Specialty Canning
- 311423 – Dried and Dehydrated Food Manufacturing
- 424420 – Packaged Frozen Food Merchant Wholesalers
- 424480 – Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Merchant Wholesalers
- SIC Code(s)
- 2035 – Pickled Fruits and Vegetables, Vegetable Sauces, Seasonings, and Salad Dressings
- 2034 – Dried and Dehydrated Fruits, Vegetables, and Soup Mixes
- 2033 – Canned Fruits, Vegetables, Preserves, Jams, and Jellies
- 5148 – Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
- 2037 – Frozen Fruits, Fruit Juices, and Vegetables
- 0161 – Vegetables and Melons
- 0179 – Fruit and Tree Nuts, Not Elsewhere Classified (NEC)
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