Mãe Terra is present in several natural food categories, including healthy snacks.
Unilever has agreed to acquire Brazilian food business Mãe Terra for an undisclosed amount – a sign of strength in the organic and natural food segment.
The São Paulo-based company operates in several categories – including cereals, cookies, snacks and culinary products – with growth of more than 30% a year.
Unilever said the business has “a strong brand equity and a clear purpose of making nutritious food accessible to all”, which fits with its own sustainable nutrition strategy and its commitment to sustainable growth.
The company’s main categories are part of an overall market in Brazil worth €8 billion.
Unilever Brazil president Fernando Fernandez said: “We are excited about this acquisition. 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.
“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.”
Globally, the healthy foods trend is quickly gaining relevance. Brazil is the fifth largest market for healthy food and beverages, with nearly 80% of consumers regarding health and nutrition as priorities when choosing products.
Mãe Terra CEO Alexandre Borges 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.”
Borges will remain with the business as general manager.
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