AgroFresh Solutions completes acquisition of Tessara

AgroFresh Solutions Inc., an agtech company specializing in postharvest produce freshness and quality solutions, has completed its acquisition of Tessara.

South African-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 range of crops. The transaction was completed following clearance by the South African competition authorities.

The acquisition of Tessara 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 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, CEO at AgroFresh, said. “We have a shared vision to be the global leaders in the provision of post-harvest solutions for the fresh fruit and produce industry. And what does global leadership really mean? It means that many more varieties of crops get the benefits of a solution that helps enhance freshness and quality and really supports growers and producers.”

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, CEO at Tessara said. “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 post-harvest 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.