Chilean food and drinks producer Nutrisco is taking over California-based organic smoothie cups maker LiveMore Superfoods.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
Commenting on the news in a statement on LinkedIn, Ignacio Astete, CEO of Nutrisco’s North American arm, said: “I’m excited to share that LiveMore Superfoods, known for their innovative fruit-based smoothies ready to blend, is now part of the Nutrisco group.
“This is a big step in our journey to build a purpose-driven portfolio aimed at creating better food for a better future”.
The acquisition is expected to help the business expand its reach in the US and new global markets.
“Together, we’re set to reach every corner of the US and expand internationally, bringing healthier and more nutritious options to people everywhere”, said Astete.
Just Drinks has asked Nutrisco to confirm in which US states and countries it is hoping to launch the brand.
Set up in 2010 by father and daughter Brian and Julia Klein, LiveMore Superfoods produces a range of fruit smoothie cups.
Its flavours include Aloha Greens made with pineapple, spinach, mango, banana, dates and kiwi, as well as Keto-Friendly Cacao, made from avocado, strawberry, blackberry, blueberry, raspberry and cacao.
LiveMore’s products are sold in major retailers across the US and Mexico, including CVS, Target, H-E-B and Costco.
Nutrisco’s subsidiary, Valle Frio SpA, has been a long-term exclusive fruits supplier for LiveMore’s smoothie cups.
In a statement on LinkedIn, co-founder Julia Klein said: “I am beyond excited to announce the acquisition of our smoothie company, LiveMore Superfoods.
“For over three generations, my family has proudly collaborated with our grower partners at Valle Frio SpA.
“This acquisition allows our company to be vertically integrated from field to package, providing us with the resources to grow LiveMore into a global household brand.”
Nutrisco, the food holding group of Chilean energy company Empresas Copec, opened its first US office in Miami earlier in April to help it work more closely with customers in its North American market.
The group claims to sell around $80m of products a year in the US. It has a presence in more than 60 countries worldwide across the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific as well as Africa and the Middle East.
