California-based Renewable Resources Group (RRG) has announced the purchase of produce company Sun World International from Diamond Capital Management.

In a release, RRG president Ari Swiller said Sun World was a business that his asset management firm - focused on agriculture and sustainable resources - had been watching and respecting for a very long time.

"Sun World is an extraordinarily valuable company with a strong and experienced management team and first-class employees who deliver famously delicious fruits and vegetables and industry-leading marketing, licensing and research-and-development operations," he said.

Sun World president and CEO Dave Dever said the business had benefited "enormously" from its relationship with Connecticut-based Black Diamond over the last eight years.

"Black Diamond has worked with us to stabilize, grow and cement our place as a leader in the industry. As we continue to grow the company and focus on delivering superior products and services to our customers, a partnership with RRG is exciting," he said.

"This new partnership will allow Sun World to continue to strengthen and grow alongside its customers."

Black Diamond's Christopher W. Parker said he was proud of what the two companies had achieved together, and was pleased that this acquisition would provide Sun World with the opportunity to build for the future.

The move follows RRG's purchase of 4,000 acres of farmland in Kern County from Sun World two years ago.

"We all know this is the height of the season for Sun World, and so the change in ownership will be swift and seamless, with no change to operations, personnel or administration," Swiller said.

"Sun World’s senior executive team will continue in their posts. Employees’ job responsibilities and benefit plans will not change. And, most importantly, Sun World will continue to provide its customers and partners with the delicious fresh produce they know and love."

Sun World is a grower, marketer and breeder of produce varieties, including seedless grapes, sweet peppers, stonefruits and other fruits and vegetables, with licensed growers around the world. It is based in Bakersfield, California and also has offices in Italy, Australia, Chile, Mexico and South Africa.

Photo: Sun World

www.freshfruitportal.com