Nestlé Acquires Majority Interest in Latin American Company Terrafertil

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 golden berries (Physalis), an Andean superfood high in vitamins and antioxidants. 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®’.

The transaction includes all of Terrafertil’s operations and assets in the seven countries where it operates. Laurent Freixe, CEO of Nestlé Zone Americas said: “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. It will operate as a stand-alone entity, to leverage its unique corporate culture.

“Nestlé brings several benefits and synergies. Beyond expanding our presence and distribution around the world, we will capitalize on its experience in areas such as Research and Development, marketing knowledge, and operational efficiencies. Above all, we share Nestlé´s commitment to society, to the communities where it operates and the environment”, said the Bermeo brothers, founding partners of Terrafertil.

Nestlé and Terrafertil will make the corresponding notifications to the antitrust authorities.