Orange grower and juice processor, Grove Juice, has acquired Bega Group’s Leeton juice extraction facility and assets. Bega will continue to source fruit for its beverage range, with Grove Juice processing it as part of a long-term agreement.
Grove is a large grower of Valencia oranges and has processing facilities in Warwick and Brisbane. It bottles some of Australia’s major private label products as well as its own Grove Juice and Boost Juice.
The acquisition will also see Grove expand to process its own fruit from the Leeton region.
Grove Australia Holdings managing director, Greg Quinn, said it was a step in its investment path and the development of fresh Australian juice.
“Alongside our owned farming operations, we work with a network of Australian growers around Australia to process and bottle the freshest fruit for Australian consumers,” Quinn said.
Bega Group has owned the facility since it acquired Lion Dairy & Drinks in January 2021. It said it will continue operations at its Smithfield juice processing and packaging facility and was committed to the growth and development of its branded juice business. Bega produces and distributes market leading brands such as Daily Juice, The Juice Brothers, Just Juice and Mildura.
Bega Group executive general manager, Darryn Wallace, said, “Bega Group is committed to the growth and development of our market leading branded juice portfolio.
“This sale ensures we maintain strong relationships with local and regional fruit growers while securing a reliable partner in fruit extraction as we prepare to embark on an exciting period of new product launches in the near future.”
The sale is part of Bega Group’s simplification strategy and ensures the ongoing operation of the Leeton site.
