Martori Farms (or “Martori”) and Fyffes announced today that Martori has acquired the SOL Group (“SOL”) from Fyffes. SOL is the melon growing and distribution business of Fyffes’ and includes farms in Honduras and Guatemala and a melon distribution business based in Miami, Florida. The combination of Martori and SOL will create the largest year-round melon producer in the world and the leading supplier of melons into the North American market.
Martori, a fourth-generation, family-owned leader in fresh produce has deep roots in Arizona and California, and is well known for its signature Kandy brand melons: Cantaloupe, Watermelon, Honeydew, Golden Honeydew, and the innovative Lemon Drop Melon. SOL is the largest supplier of winter melons to markets across North America. With this acquisition, Martori Farms can now offer a seamless, year-round supply of melons, strengthening its position as the leading supplier across the USA and Canada.
This transaction enables Fyffes to sharpen its focus on core perennial categories bananas and pineapples by dedicating resources and expertise to their continued growth and market leadership.
A shared commitment to quality and innovation
Martori Farms, founded in 1913, has built its reputation on innovation and stewardship. Best known for its proprietary Kandy Plus™ Cantaloupe, Martori has spent decades refining melon genetics, enhancing flavor, and consistently delivering premium fruit to leading retailers and foodservice providers.
With SOL’s vertically integrated farming and distribution network, the combined company will extend these standards across a global footprint, providing continuous supply, broader varietal offerings, and enhanced service levels to customers.
“Our goal has always been to deliver melons that exceed consumer expectations melons that delight with flavor, appearance, and quality,” said Steve Martori III, CEO of Martori Farms. “The acquisition of SOL Group allows us to extend that promise across all 12 months of the year, while working with an extraordinary team of professionals who share our dedication to quality and sustainability.”
Stewardship of people and the planet
Since the appointment of new management in October 2021, Fyffes has led a wide-ranging transformation of its melon business. This included:
- Investment in community welfare projects such as medical brigades, clinics, and nutrition programs.
- Indigenous tree planting and other environmental initiatives.
- Enhanced labour practices, including partnerships with Honduran unions, collective bargaining agreements, and human rights assessments.
RELATED NEWS: Fyffes Sustainability Report
“Over the past four years, we have made significant investments in our winter melon business—enhancing quality, championing worker health and safety, upholding human rights, supporting community wellbeing, and introducing innovative practices.
The result is a business we are profoundly proud of,” said Helge Sparsoe, CEO of Fyffes. “As we searched for a buyer, our top priority was to find a company that shares our values—especially when it comes to worker wellbeing, customer service, and uncompromising quality. We are confident that under Martori’s leadership, SOL Group’s employees, land, and customers will benefit from this same commitment to sustainability, innovation, and excellence.”
Industry impact and future growth
The combined company’s scale will deliver transformative benefits for retail and foodservice partners:
- Largest Global Melon Platform – Farming and distribution across the U.S., Central America, and Canada.
- Consistency – Year-round cantaloupe, watermelon, and mixed melon supply.
- Innovation – Expanded research and development programs combining Martori’s genetics expertise with SOL’s field knowledge.
- Sustainability – Shared focus on protecting natural resources and communities.
- Service – Enhanced logistics, retail programs, and promotional opportunities.
This transaction positions Martori Farms for continued growth, building on its leadership in melons while creating a platform for expanded produce offerings in the future.
Advisors
Martori Farms was advised by Wells Fargo Securities as exclusive financial advisor, Clark Hill as legal counsel, and Baker Tilly for tax and financial due diligence.
Fyffes was advised by Ackerman LLP as legal counsel and KPMG for tax and financial due diligence.
Source: EAGLE PRODUCE, LLC
