Bonduelle acquires Conagra’s Del Monte business

French processed vegetables producer Bonduelle has completed the acquisition of Del Monte’s processed fruit and vegetable business in Canada from Conagra Brands for nearly C$43m ($32m).

Bonduelle will now be able to use the Del Monte brand on different segments of processed fruits and vegetables, as well as stocks of products, following the acquisition.

However, the acquisition does not include industrial or personnel assets as Bonduelle is expected to continue to use its own existing co-packers and production capabilities.

The deal’s completion follows the signing of the original acquisition agreement in February.

The acquisition of Conagra’s Del Monte business is anticipated to complement the Bonduelle Americas Long Life unit’s canned and frozen vegetable business, which is conducted largely under retailer’s store brands and has revenues of roughly C$60m.

Furthermore, the deal supports Bonduelle’s intention of developing brand activities, as well as expanding beyond vegetables into vegetable products.

Established in 1853 in Marquette-lez-Lille, France, Bonduelle is a family business that is primarily engaged in the production of processed vegetables.

The company’s vegetables are currently grown across more than 130,000ha of land worldwide and sold in 100 countries under various brand names, as well as through various distribution channels and technologies.

Bonduelle operates a total of 54 industrial facilities and / or agricultural production sites and produces its products by selecting the best crops in areas close to its customers.

Conagra Brands’ portfolio includes Marie Callender’s, Reddi-wip, VH, POGO, Hunt’s, Healthy Choice, Slim Jim and Orville Redenbacher’s, as well as Alexia, Blake’s, Frontera, Duke’s and Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP.