Nestlé Acquires Majority Stake in Healthy Snacks Company
Nestlé has acquired a majority stake in Terrafertil, a company selling natural, organic, plant-based foods and healthy snacks. The move widens Nestlé’s presence in a fast-growing category in Latin America, the United States and the United Kingdom.
Terrafertil, and its flagship brand ‘NATURE’S HEART®’, is recognized for its wide portfolio of natural and mostly organic products. It is the world’s largest buyer of goldenberries (Physalis), an Andean superfood high in vitamins and antioxidants. The company was founded in 2005 in Ecuador by five entrepreneurs and is managed by three founding brothers, David, Raul and Daniel Bermeo. It quickly expanded its presence in Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Chile, and the United Kingdom. In 2017, it entered the United States with the purchase of ‘ESSENTIAL LIVING FOODS®’. Terrafertil has received international recognition for its positive social impact through its work with hundreds of small farmers. It employs 400 people and has four factories in Ecuador, Mexico, Colombia and Chile.
The transaction includes all of Terrafertil’s operations and assets in the seven countries where it operates. Laurent Freixe, CEO of Nestlé Zone Americas, says: ” This investment allows us to strengthen our presence in fast-growing categories such as plant-based foods, beverages and healthy snacks, known as ‘superfoods’ due to their high natural nutrient content.”
Terrafertil will continue to be managed by its founders and will operate as a stand-alone entity.
Nestlé and Terrafertil will make the corresponding notifications to the antitrust authorities, within the legal terms and in accordance with the provisions of the regulations of each country, as applicable.
