Fresh Del Monte Produce, through its vegetable division Mann Packing, announced the sale of its Fresh Leaf Farms brand and operations to First Leaf Farms—a new partnership between the Costa and Nunes families, both prominent leaders in the Salinas Valley produce industry. This transaction aligns with a shared commitment to drive innovation, enhance customer offerings, and strengthen leadership in the fresh produce sector.
For Mann Packing, the sale of Fresh Leaf Farms represents a key step in Fresh Del Monte's strategic direction for its vegetable division. After conducting a comprehensive review and defining a clear path forward, the company is implementing a three-pronged strategy focused on increasing operational efficiency, elevating its product offerings, and divesting non-core assets, which includes the sale of Fresh Leaf Farms. Mann Packing will continue prioritizing its core vegetable line along with signature innovations, such as Broccolini®, Stringless Sugar Snap Peas and Better Leaf lettuce clam line while exploring new, innovative product offerings. By concentrating on these growth drivers and streamlining supply chains, Fresh Del Monte and Mann Packing aim to boost long-term profitability, strengthen business and customer relationships, and deliver innovative solutions to meet consumer needs.
"We are pleased with the path forward for Mann Packing. Our strategy not only sharpens our focus on future growth and operational excellence but also ensures that Fresh Leaf Farms continues to thrive under the leadership of the Costa and Nunes families," said Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh, Fresh Del Monte's Chairman and CEO. "As Fresh Del Monte's vegetable division and with innovation as its driving force, Mann Packing remains committed to delivering high-quality, fresh products that meet the evolving needs of our customers and consumers."
"With our long history in the Salinas Valley and 40-plus-year relationship with the Nunes family, known for their marketing expertise and reputation for integrity and quality, this acquisition is a natural fit," says Mike Costa, partner in the Costa family's operations. "We have always valued our relationship with Mann Packing and Del Monte and thank them for this opportunity. We look forward to strengthening this relationship by leveraging both current and future opportunities to drive continued success."
"For more than a generation, the Nunes and Costa families have worked side by side—the Costa family, known for its innovative varieties, superior land base, and integrity, and the Nunes family, with similar values and expertise in marketing and sales. This acquisition allows us to build on that shared history, combining our strengths to drive continued growth and innovation in the leafy greens sector," said Tom Nunes V, President of The Nunes Company.
For more information:
Claudia Pou
Fresh Del Monte
Email: [email protected]
www.freshdelmonte.com