Kingsville, ON (September 17, 2024) Industry leader in greenhouse fruits & vegetables, Mastronardi Produce, has recently acquired full and exclusive North American rights in Mastronardi BerryWorld® America from its partner BerryWorld® Group.
The joint venture between Mastronardi and BerryWorld® Group was originally formed in 2018 to create Mastronardi BerryWorld® America. This partnership provided access to BerryWorld®’s high-flavor proprietary berry varieties and was aimed at leveraging Mastronardi’s expertise in greenhouse growing and BerryWorld®’s extensive berry breeding and marketing capabilities to enhance the production and distribution of premium berries in North America. Both parties are excited to continue the relationship which will provide Mastronardi Produce continued access to the BerryWorld® breeding program to further develop the North American berry category.
“Our partnership with the BerryWorld® Group over the past 5 years has allowed us to deliver exceptional berries to the North American market,” says Paul Mastronardi, President and CEO of Mastronardi Produce. “Access to these premium varieties through this association with BerryWorld® has played a crucial role in establishing Mastronardi Produce as an emerging player in the North American berry market.”
In connection with the buyout, Mastronardi Produce will continue to hold exclusive rights to market all premium berry proprietary varieties in North America that were previously licensed to Mastronardi BerryWorld® America® in addition to all future high-flavor propriety berries developed under such licenses. This extends over all four berry categories including Strawberries, Raspberries, Blackberries and Blueberries.
“This acquisition allows the BerryWorld® Group to dedicate its resources to researching and developing premium, high-flavor varieties market while enabling Mastronardi to concentrate on their advanced grower network and leading marketing capabilities,” notes David Gray, President, BerryWorld Group.
Mastronardi Produce and BerryWorld® Group look forward to continuing to build a long term sustainable collaborative relationship. As a fourth-generation owned company, this strategic move aligns with Mastronardi Produce’s commitment to becoming the most beloved brand in fresh.
About Mastronardi Produce®
A pioneer and industry leader in the gourmet greenhouse industry, Mastronardi Produce grows and markets award-winning products under the SUNSET®, Backyard Farms®, BerryWorld®, and Queen of Greens® brands. Mastronardi Produce has been family-owned for over 70 years and prides itself on producing consistently flavorful tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, berries, and lettuce.
Company Contact:
Dean Taylor, Vice President, Business Development
o: 519-326-3218
c: 519-796-7703
dean.taylor@sunsetgrown.com
About BerryWorld® Group
BerryWorld® Group is a fourth-generation, family-founded, and future focused, berry company with multi-local international teams operating across every part of the supply chain. Through working relationships with growers and customers alike, BerryWorld® works to ensure a sustainable supply of world class berries that are bursting with goodness all year-round.
Company Contact:
Nicola Sceats, Executive Assistant to David Gray
nicola.sceats@argentgroup.com
