Deoleo, the Spanish company behind Bertolli and Carbonell olive oil, has bought the local Hojiblanca brand. The deal will also see Deoleo, the world’s largest olive oil bottler, buy Hojiblanca’s plant in Antequera in southern Spain. Deoleo paid for the assets by issuing new shares in its business. Hojiblanca, which Deoleo said is the world’s “leading” virgin olive oil producer, will take a 9.63% stake in the Bertolli owner. Deoleo said the deal, approved by its shareholders today (28 May), would “consolidate Spain’s leadership in the world olive oil market with a solid long-term project”. It added: “Deoleo is reinforcing its portfolio of leading brands, which will enable it to continue to promote its brand- and quality-based strategy in the numerous markets in which it operates.” Hojiblanca, a co-op of olive growers, saw its members back the deal two weeks ago. President Jose Moreno and CEO Antonio Luque will join the Deoleo board. The company said its business would continue as usual. It is the world’s number two supplier of table olives and it will continue to develop other olive oil brands, including Cordoliva.
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