AgroFresh completes acquisition of Tessara

AgroFresh Solutions Inc., an AgTech company specializing in post-harvest produce freshness and quality solutions, has completed the acquisition of Tessara.

South Africa-based Tessara is an industry provider of intelligent packaging solutions for preserving fresh produce, specializing in SO2 generating sheets to prevent decay in table grapes, berries and flowers.

The acquisition of Tessara is the next chapter for AgroFresh, furthering its mission to prevent food loss/waste across the produce supply chain by providing a range of science-based freshness solutions, digital technologies and services for a broad range of crops. The transaction was completed following clearance by the South African competition authorities.

The acquisition amplifies AgroFresh’s capabilities in postharvest produce freshness and food waste reduction with added solutions for key crop segments such as table grapes and berries, while significantly enhancing its presence across fruit growing regions including South Africa, China, Australia and South America.

“AgroFresh and Tessara both aspire to bring continued value to our customers globally,” Clint Lewis, chief executive officer at AgroFresh, said in a news release. “We have a shared vision to be the global leaders in the provision of postharvest solutions for the fresh fruit and produce industry.”

Founded in 1985 in Cape Town, South Africa, Tessara’s offerings and innovations have grown to protect more than $3 billion worth of fresh produce annually in more than 30 countries.

“Over the course of the past few decades, Tessara has grown into a global leader in the provision of SO2 solutions used for prevention of decay for a number of high-value crops,” Jaco Smit, chief executive officer at Tessara, said in the release. “Being part of AgroFresh gives us access to resources to support ongoing research and development, production facilities around the world, and most importantly, a global presence. Combining our portfolio with AgroFresh’s portfolio will make us a significant force in postharvest technologies around the world.”

AgroFresh Solutions Inc. is a portfolio company of Paine Schwartz Partners, a global leader in sustainable food chain investing.

For more information, visit agrofresh.com.