US agribusiness giant Bunge is in talks over a possible stake in SOS Corporacion Alimentaria, the Spanish food group behind Bertolli and Carbonell olive oils. SOS said yesterday that its discussions with Bunge related to its plans to sell shares worth 200 million euros (A$283.3 million) to help restructure its debt and find expansion. However, SOS dismissed reports in Spain that the talks with Bunge had included a possible takeover offer from the US firm. “In the discussions with Bunge, there... ...Read more »

Spanish food group SOS Corporacion Alimentaria has struck a distribution deal for its Bertolli olive oil brand in Japan.SOS said yesterday that importer Japan Europe Trading Co. (JET) would handle Bertolli to strengthen the brand’s presence in the retail and foodservice channels. “JET is an importer of high-end Italian brands, recognised by the trade and by the Japanese consumer,” SOS said. “Supporting that distribution, JET participates in activities to promote Mediterranean... ...Read more »

Spanish food company Grupo SOS has taken control of the worldwide, perpetual licence for the Bertolli brand for olive oil, premium vinegar and olives. The €630m purchase from Unilever went through late last month and includes related assets, as well as the sale of the Dante, Maya and San Giorgio olive oil and seed oil businesses. Unilever will, however, retain the Bertolli brand for all other categories including margarine, pasta sauces and frozen meals. “The Bertolli brand remains a priority... ...Read more »

Unilever, the world’s second largest consumer group company, has announced the sale of Bertolli Olive Oil and Vinegar to the Spanish-based Grupo SOS, owner of the Carbonell brand, for €630m. The sale will make Grupo SOS the owner of the two strongest olive oil brands in the world (based on sales). The transaction is structured as a worldwide, perpetual licence by Unilever of the Bertolli brand in respect of olive oil and premium vinegar and also includes the sale of the Italian Maya, Dante,... ...Read more »