BRAZIL – Anglo-Dutch group Unilever has signed a deal to acquire the Brazilian natural and organic food business Mãe Terra for an undisclosed sum.
Mãe Terra is a fast growing brand in Brazil, which provides health-conscious consumers with organic and nutritious food products since its establishment in 1979.
Unilever’s purchase of Mãe Terra marks the latest effort by the food and personal care giant to get involved into the natural and organic food business.
The deal marked Unilever’s eighteenth acquisition announcement since 2015.
“Mãe Terra has a great following in Brazil and strengthens our food portfolio, allowing us to accelerate our expansion in the high-growth naturals and organic segment,” said Fernando Fernandez, president of Unilever Brazil.
According to Unilever, Brazil is the fifth largest market in the world for healthy food and beverages and that that 79 per cent of consumers there consider health and nutrition as priorities.
Mãe Terra operates in several categories with a portfolio that includes organic cereals, cookies, snacks and culinary products.
The main Mãe Terra categories represent a Brazilian market worth more than US$9.4 billion, according to Euromonitor.
“With Unilever’s expertise and distribution channels, we can both grow and scale Mãe Terra, helping to realise its mission of bringing healthy and nutritious food to even more people.
This is perfectly aligned to Unilever’s commitment to sustainable nutrition and to provide consumers with food that tastes good, does good and doesn’t cost the Earth,” added Fernandez.
Alexandre Borges, CEO of Mãe Terra also said “Unilever understands how preserving our purpose-driven culture is critical to the growth of our business and the popularity of our foods.
It is uniquely placed to help us accelerate our mission to bring natural and organic food to more people in Brazil.”
Globally, the demand for healthy foods is growing worldwide and Unilever plans to manage Mãe Terra to ensure its unique culture and vision is preserved while still ensuring its on-going success.
