Peru’s Viru Group has acquired US frozen fruit and vegetable peer Superior Foods International.

La Libertad-based Viru Group describes itself as the largest producer of canned and frozen fruit and veg in the South American country, from farm to fork. The business, which also supplies ready meals and sauces, did not disclose the price it has paid for Superior Foods International.

Located in Watsonville, California, SFI supplies the retail and foodservice channels in the US with not only frozen fruit and veg but also herbs and value-added products such as pizza and pasta.

Internationally, Superior Foods International sells into South America, Asia, including China, and Europe.

Superior Foods International has been doing business with the Viru Group for more than a decade, according to a statement.

Viru Group CEO Yoselyn Malamud said: “Together with SFI, we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and are confident that this acquisition will enable us to reach new heights together, becoming an even stronger and more effective organisation.”

The Peruvian company, which owns 30,000 acres of cultivated land, employs more than 17,000 people across ten production plants in Virú, La Libertad; Chincha, Ica; Sullana, Piura; and Caynarachi, Tarapoto.

In 2020, the company set up Mensajero Viru in Murcia, Spain, a partnership and artichoke venture with Mensajero Alimentación.

Viru Group also works with fresh berries producer Agroberries Peru and has another division in Peru – Caynarachi.

Marco Cruz, Superior Foods International’s managing director, said its management team and staff will remain in place.

He added: “Superior Foods International has become part of Viru, a move that will bring us both significantly enhanced capabilities and expanded opportunities. Our mission, core values, and dedication to our current partners is unwavering. SFI will continue to operate with the same entrepreneurial spirit, independence, and agility as we have for the past 40 years.”