LONDON, U.K. - An integrated supply chain simply cannot be overlooked in this industry. With operations streamlined from seed to plate, companies like Westfalia Fruit Group are able to market quality fruit year round from across the globe. Pressing the gas on this initiative, the grower recently announced that Harvard Management Company (HMC) has acquired a minority stake in Westfalia Fruit International.

“The decision to partner with HMC was an easy one, given our similar values and commitment to sustainable business principles,” says newly-appointed CEO of Westfalia Fruit, Alk Brand, of the investment. “This transaction positions us well for pursuing strategic objectives within the global group and significantly contributes towards our vision of being a leader in the global avocado industry.”

This acquisition is expected to give Westfalia capital for funding key initiatives while enabling collaboration with HMC’s accomplished team of natural resource investors, according to a press release.

“Westfalia is a global leader in the avocado market with a commitment to environmentally sustainable management. Its vertically-integrated operations are uniquely positioned to benefit from the growth in global avocado consumption and make it a great fit for our portfolio. We are excited to have the opportunity to join them in this latest stage of their growth,” says Colin Butterfield, HMC’s Managing Director of Natural Resources.

Westfalia reported that its future capital investments in global production and distribution are aimed at meeting the growing market demand for avocados and expanding the current availability of fruit.

To see how this strategic move fortifies Westfalia’s place in the market, keep a tab open for AndNowUKnow.

Westfalia Fruit