Perfection Fresh has taken full ownership of Fruit Master Australia after the exit of two key partners. Fruit Master is one of Australia’s largest vertically integrated table grape businesses, with four farms in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.
The company also has grower-partners across Australia and the rights to grow and market proprietary table grapes from breeding programs.
Perfection Fresh CEO Michael Simonetta said the acquisition was a natural evolution for the two companies, and an excellent fit for its focus on strategic channel growth in fresh produce.
“We have enjoyed a long partnership with the Fruit Master business and with Joe and Brett deciding to move on the time was right,” Simonetta said.
Joe Lanteri and Brett Pickering had decided to exit their shareholdings in Fruit Master. Lanteri had a career in export trade. Lanteri will stay on as a consultant for the next three years.
Table grapes are Australia’s highest fresh fruit horticultural export, worth more than $623 million in FY20. Around 70 per cent of our grapes are exported, mainly to Asian markets.
Simonetta said full ownership would strengthen its export capabilities.
Perfection Fresh would be focusing on developing categories and new varieties, extending consumer’s knowledge and experience.
“The reality is there are some amazing varieties that can indulge consumers, with many different eating occasions grapes can cater to. With different shapes, sizes, tastes and textures there are specific varieties for snacking, cooking, and adding to a cheese plate,” he said.
