DELANO, CA, McALLEN, TX, & MARTINEZ DE LA TORRE, MX – Wonderful Citrus announced two big citrus acquisitions this morning.
Included in the purchase are Mexico-based Persian lime distributor Kunik Company (I. Kunik), and the operations of B&S Grupo Exportador, S.A. de C.V. (B&S), a major supplier of Persian limes to the worldwide market, according to a press release.
“The addition of this infrastructure and supply of Persian limes provided by these major acquisitions is a perfect complement to the other citrus varieties we already offer,” David Krause, President of Wonderful Citrus, commented. “This will enhance our ability to be the ultimate one-stop shop for citrus for our customers across all channels, and round out Wonderful Citrus’ basket of fresh citrus offerings.”
Wonderful added that I. Kunik’s operations, located in McAllen, Texas, will be renamed “Wonderful Citrus, I. Kunik Division,” becoming a centric location for all Persian lime distribution to the U.S. and Canada by Wonderful Citrus.
Wonderful Citrus also acquired almost 2,000 acres of Persian lime orchards in Mexico within the transaction that, combined with its current acreage, will make it one of the largest lime growers in the country upon the close of the deal.
With the two new additions comes a 65,000-square-foot packing and cold storage facility, as well as established customers developed over decades of operation.
Wonderful Citrus added that this purchase is in line with its commitment to a vertical integration strategy in the Persian lime market.
The company stated that financial terms will not be disclosed, but that grandson of I. Kunik’s Founder, Lawrence Kroman, will continue his role in the business on a consulting basis for at least two years.
