The acquisition has been structured as a court-supervised process under Section 363 of the US Bankruptcy Code and is still subject to final court approval as well as the relevant regulatory authorisations. A hearing on the sale is scheduled for 28 January, with closing anticipated before the end of the first quarter of 2026. If completed, the deal will place the Del Monte brand under a single owner for the first time in almost 40 years.
Fresh Del Monte said the integration of well-known shelf-stable and refrigerated brands alongside its global fresh produce operations is expected to improve brand coherence, broaden consumer engagement across multiple channels, drive operational efficiencies and support long-term value creation.
According to chairman and CEO Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh, the transaction reflects a long-standing strategic vision. “Reuniting the Del Monte brand under one strategy allows us to respect its heritage while positioning it for future growth,” he said. “Combining fresh and ambient food categories gives us greater consistency, flexibility and capacity for innovation.”
The acquisition will enable Fresh Del Monte to further develop one of the food industry’s longest-established brands, with a history spanning nearly 140 years, under a unified global approach covering several product segments.
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Under the agreement, Fresh Del Monte is set to acquire a range of prepared and packaged food businesses, including vegetable, tomato and refrigerated fruit operations marketed under brands such as Del Monte, S&W, Contadina, Take Root Organics and Joyba. The deal also includes manufacturing and operational sites in several US states, two facilities in Mexico and an operation in Venezuela.
In addition, Fresh Del Monte will obtain global ownership of the Del Monte brand, subject to existing licensing arrangements, together with US trademark rights for Del Monte, S&W, Contadina and Joyba, and a selection of operational assets and employees across the three countries.
Certain activities are excluded from the transaction, notably canned fruit and other ambient packaged fruit and fruit sauce products sold in the US, Puerto Rico and Mexico, as well as the broth and stock brands College Inn and Kitchen Basics, and the associated assets.
Once the acquisition is finalised, Fresh Del Monte plans to manage the newly acquired brands through a dedicated business unit, ensuring continuity for retail, foodservice and supply partners. The company indicated that no immediate changes to products currently on the market are expected.
The transaction will be funded through a combination of available cash and a revolving credit facility. Rabobank acted as exclusive financial advisor to Fresh Del Monte, while legal counsel was provided by Greenberg Traurig and Dickinson Wright.
