GrubMarket Expands Global Footprint with Acquisition of South Africa’s Global Produce

GrubMarket has announced the successful acquisition of Global Produce, a leading fresh produce company based in Cape Town, South Africa. This strategic move aims to enhance GrubMarket’s international presence and strengthen its operations within the global food supply chain.

Founded in 2013 by industry veteran Rutger Van Wulfen, Global Produce has built a reputation for sourcing and distributing a diverse array of fresh South African fruits. The company serves a wide range of customers, including supermarkets, restaurants, retailers, wholesalers, and online business clients across 44 countries. Known for its consistent year-round supply of grapes and citrus fruits, Global Produce also offers an extensive selection of other products such as apples, blueberries, strawberries, cherries, plums, butternut squash, pears, mangos, and bananas. Additionally, it provides exotic items like Malaysian dragon fruit, Namibian Barhi dates, and Belgian PiqaBoo pears.

Following the acquisition, Global Produce will continue its operations under its current leadership, maintaining offices in Cape Town, Jakarta, Hong Kong, and Ho Chi Minh City. The company’s supplier network spans regions including South Africa, Namibia, Morocco, Egypt, New Zealand, and Australia. Global Produce’s commitment to supporting local farmers through its vertical integration initiative, which connects them directly to end markets under the GEO brand, remains a core aspect of its business model.

“Food is a relationship business – our foundation is built on trust, loyalty, and service. We truly pride ourselves on providing the highest quality South African fruits to our valued customers all over the world,” said Rutger Van Wulfen, owner of Global Produce. “I’ve been following GrubMarket’s story for many years and am incredibly excited to join this successful, globally-oriented company. We are proud to represent GrubMarket in South Africa and look forward to expanding GrubMarket’s global reach.”

Mike Xu, CEO of GrubMarket, expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition: “The acquisition of Global Produce marks a pivotal moment in GrubMarket’s journey. I have been impressed with Rutger’s wealth of international experience and his ability to reach customers in over 40 countries. We are thrilled to welcome the Global Produce team to the GrubMarket family.”

As part of GrubMarket’s portfolio, Global Produce will leverage GrubMarket’s innovative AI-powered WholesaleWare software suite. This comprehensive solution offers financial management, sales support, online ordering, inventory management, lot traceability, grower accounting, and logistics. Additionally, Global Produce will benefit from GrubAssist, GrubMarket’s enterprise AI assistant, and Orders IO, a custom-branded mobile eCommerce solution.

The integration of these advanced technologies will enable Global Produce to enhance its operations, streamline processes, and provide even greater value to its customers and partners. This acquisition not only strengthens GrubMarket’s global position in the food supply chain but also reinforces its commitment to supporting farmers and delivering fresh produce worldwide.

GrubMarket’s strategic acquisition of Global Produce signifies a major step forward in its mission to revolutionize the global food supply chain and expand its international footprint, bringing more South African fruits to markets around the world.

Financial Desk