Mann Packing Divests Fresh Leaf Farms Business
Mann Packing — the vegetable division of Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. — has sold the Fresh Leaf Farms brand and operations to First Leaf Farms, a new partnership between two prominent California produce industry families, the Costa and Nunes families.
The sale follows a comprehensive review of the Mann Packing vegetable division by Fresh Del Monte, by which it has adopted a three-pronged strategy focused on increasing operational efficiency, elevating product offerings and divesting non-core assets (including Fresh Leaf Farms).
Under the newly defined path forward, Mann Packing will continue to prioritize products such as Broccolini, Stringless Sugar Snap Peas and Better Leaf lettuce clam line while exploring new, innovative product offerings, the company noted. It is expected that this approach will boost long-term profitability, strengthen business and customer relationships, and deliver innovative solutions.
Fresh Del Monte chairman and CEO Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh said the deal also “ensures that Fresh Leaf Farms continues to thrive under the leadership of the Costa and Nunes families.”
The acquisition enhances those families’ leadership in the leafy greens sector in California’s Salinas Valley region. The Nunes family is known for its Foxy and Foxy Organic brands, while the Costa family is renowned for innovation in the premium leafy greens sector. The Costa family will manage production and operations for First Leaf Farms, while The Nunes Company, Inc. will oversee all sales and marketing.
To ensure a smooth transition, First Leaf Farms will use Mann Packing’s logistics network through the Yuma season, and the Costa family operations will continue to grow leafy greens for Mann Packing. The companies do intend to maintain a collaborative partnership down the road as well, the release noted.
