The Jupiter Group announced today that it is continuing its global expansion by acquiring Dutch fresh produce marketing company Cool Fresh International BV.
The acquisition includes Cool Fresh International’s logistics division Saphir BV, and the Valencia (Spain) based commercial operation AgroMarketing Cool Fresh Espana.
Talking of the purchase strengthening Jupiter’s global reach, Mark Tweddle, CEO and Group Director said: “We are extremely excited about bringing the team and expertise of Cool Fresh International into the Jupiter family.
“Our own grape and citrus production in countries such as South Africa, Greece, Chile and Argentina create great synergies with Cool Fresh International’s client base across 54 countries, meaning we can further explore the broad retail base across the UK, Europe, Asia and Africa.
“We are fully geared to offer the added value this acquisition brings to the benefit of our retail, food service and wholesale clients all over the world. By 2021 we estimate the delivery of more than eight million cartons into our supply chain.” he added.
Tailor-made, direct from farm solutions
Cool Fresh International has a long history in global fresh produce sourcing and marketing, employing 43 people in its three locations. The company owns various fresh produce brands, has a high-level CSR certification, and has implemented various community development projects based on sport and education in numerous countries.
“We are really excited to become part of Jupiter’s outstanding teams all over the world. The acquisition enables us to focus on our expertise, together offering our worldwide clients tailor-made, direct from farm solutions to their fresh produce requirements” says Hugo Vermeulen, existing Managing Director of Cool Fresh International.
Social investment synergy
Yvonne Tweddle, Jupiter Director and wife of CEO Mark says: “Not only is there commercial synergy with Cool Fresh, we are also very much aligned in terms of corporate social investment. The Nancy Tweddle Foundation mirrors the core values of the Stars in their Eyes Foundation, which was set up by Cool Fresh in 2006. Our aim is to follow our hearts in making the world a better place, something which the Tweddle family holds very dear”.
Jupiter has offices in six countries and has 150 employees. The company was recently placed in the Top 25 of the Sunday Times International Track 200 list for the second consecutive year, and has enjoyed average annual sales growth of 107 per cent over the last two years.
In November 2018 Jupiter acquired the South African citrus producer Bonaire, and recently started harvesting the first of its new table grape varieties planted in South Africa, India, South America and Greece.
