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Food & Agribusiness M&A Trends: Winter 2023

Published January 9, 2023

Home > M&A Trends > Food & Agribusiness M&A Trends: Winter 2023
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KEY INSIGHTS

  • Labor: Continued shortages of agricultural labor has driven growers to increase their recruitment of H-2A workers and accelerate mechanization.
  • Contract Manufacturers: As supply chain, inflation, and labor shortage pains impact traditional food & beverage manufacturers, there has been a drastic increase in the number and quantity of products being produced by contract manufacturers on behalf of their branded customers.
  • Farmland: Macroeconomic forces, including higher commodity prices, new urban construction, and government subsidies have driven farmland values up in 2022.

Amidst interest rate hikes, lingering supply chain constraints, and geopolitical tensions in Ukraine, food & agriculture M&A faced increased pressure and transactional challenges through H2 2022.  With rising input costs and ESG considerations, M&A activity in the FoodTech and AgTech verticals remains higher. Investors are seeking greater interest in innovative agricultural products, carbon capture products, prepackaged and plant-based food products. In 2023, middle market M&A dealmakers will chase a stronger pipeline as producers and processors compete for market share amidst continued consolidation by grower/packer networks.

View the Report
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Food & Agribusiness Market Insight

Implementing Mechanization in Response to Labor Challenges

  • Continued shortages of agricultural labor has driven growers to recruit workers on H-2A visas to fill seasonal jobs.
  • To alleviate labor shortages, many producers have implemented mechanization practices such as new automated technology, piece-rate wages, and increased use of H-2A foreign workers.
  • Reduced productivity may further cause supply side constraints, in conjunction with inflationary pressures predominately driven by increasing input costs.

Contract Manufacturers Enjoy Stronger Positions In The Post-COVID Era

  • As supply chain, inflation, and labor shortage pains impact traditional food & beverage manufacturers, there has been a drastic increase in the number and quantity of products being produced by contract manufacturers on behalf of their branded customers.
  • Some contract manufacturers reported 40% or more spikes in business, with many having to turn down business or displace lower volume customers as legacy food and CPG companies continue shedding assets. Build vs. buy calculations continue to favor outsourcing, and some products may never return to internal production levels.

Farmers Competing with Institutional Investors for Farmland

  • Macroeconomic forces, including higher commodity prices, new urban construction, and government subsidies have driven farmland values up in 2022.
  • Farm real estate assets are forecasted to increase to $3.19T in 2022, a 4% inflation-adjusted increase from 2021.
  • In 2022, United States cropland values reached an unprecedented $5,000 per acre, up 14.3% from 2021. Farm real estate value, averaged $3,800 per acre in 2022, up 12.4% from 2021. Pasture value averaged $1,650 per acre in 2022, up 11.5% from 2021.
  • As farmland values continue to surge in 2023, farmers will face continued competition from institutional investors in finding affordable land to purchase or lease.

U.S. Farmland Asset Value

U.S. Agricultural Land Values Per Acre

Sources: Company press releases, company websites, Pitchbook, Mergermarket, Meridian research, USDA, Economic Research Service, FarmIncome and Wealth Statistics, Contract Packaging Association

Food & Agribusiness Middle Market M&A Activity

Food and Agriculture M&A Activity

  • Amidst interest rate hikes, lingering supply chain constraints, and geopolitical tensions in Ukraine, food & agriculture M&A faced increased pressure and transactional challenges through H2 2022.
  • With rising input costs and ESG considerations, M&A activity in the FoodTech and AgTech verticals remains higher. Investors are seeking greater interest in innovative agricultural products, carbon capture products, pre-packaged and plant-based food products.
  • In 2023, middle market M&A dealmakers will chase a stronger pipeline as producers and processors compete for market share amidst continued consolidation by grower/packer networks.

Recent Transaction Case Studies

Description:
Humic Growth Solutions is a developer of humic acid products used to enhance metabolic activity in soil.

Rationale:
The acquisition builds on Paine Schwartz Partners’ longstanding track record in investing in the upstream segments of crop productivity & sustainability.

Description:
Lipari Foods is a full-service, value-add manufacturer and distributor of a variety of specialty, “perimeter-of-the-store” food products.

Rationale: 
Littlejohn & Co. will use its experience building and scaling distribution businesses to fuel additional organic & inorganic growth for Lipari.

Description:
Processor of freeze-dried products including fruits & vegetables, proteins, pet treats, probiotics, enzymes, and prepared meals.

Rationale:
The acquisition will expand Thrive’s manufacturing capabilities and add to the company’s geographic footprint throughout the United States.

Description:
VegPro International is a grower and packer of baby greens and is the largest producer of fresh vegetables in Canada.

Rationale: 
Vision Ridge Partners invests in real assets, with a focus on sustainability across energy, transportation, and agriculture.

Sources: Company press releases, company websites, Pitchbook, Mergermarket, Meridian research, The Produce News

Public Food & Agribusiness Trading Metrics

Agricultural InputsMarket
Cap
EVLTM
Rev
LTM
EBITDA
EV/LTM
Rev
EV/LTM
EBITDA
LTM Margin
EBITDA
52-Week
Change
CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (NYS: CF)$16,776$20,483$11,118$6,1641.8x3.3x55%21%
FMC Corporation (NYS: FMC)$15,738$18,949$5,594$1,1793.4x16.1x21%14%
The Mosaic Co. (NYS: MOS)$14,780$18,584$18,485$5,9091.0x3.1x32%10%
The Toro Company (NYS: TTC)$11,780$12,662$4,515$6972.8x18.2x15%13%
AGCO Corporation (NYS: AGCO)$10,343$12,055$11,908$1,2551.0x9.6x11%20%
SiteOne Landscape Supply, Inc. (NYS: SITE)$5,368$6,066$3,930$4631.5x13.1x12%-51%
The Scotts Company LLC (NYS: SMG)$2,696$5,879$3,924($342)1.5xnm-9%-70%
Lindsay Corporation (NYS: LNN)$1,828$1,850$771$1122.4x16.6x14%9%
CVR Partners LP (NYS: UAN)$1,059$1,489$812$3741.8x4.0x46%21%
Titan International, Inc. (NYS: TWI)$968$1,303$2,147$2700.6x4.8x13%41%
Titan Machinery, Inc. (NAS: TITN)$905$1,290$2,134$1670.6x7.7x8%18%
Intrepid Potash, Inc. (NYS: IPI)$387$335$343$1401.0x2.4x41%-33%
AgroFresh Solutions, Inc. (NAS: AGFS)$157$552$169$413.3x13.6x24%49%
Ceres Global Ag Corp. (TSE: CRP)$50$137$1,113($6)0.1xnm-1%-63%
Median$2,262$3,865$3,036$3221.5x8.7x15%14%
Average$5,917$7,260$4,783$1,1731.6x9.4x20%0%
($US in millions)
Agriculture ProducersMarket CapEVLTM RevLTM EBITDAEV/LTM RevEV/LTM EBITDALTM Margin EBITDA52-Week Change
Darling Ingredients Inc. (NYS: DAR)$9,980$13,405$6,074$1,3442.2x10.0x22%-10%
Pilgrim’s Pride Corp. (NAS: PPC)$5,609$8,473$17,380$1,7440.5x4.9x10%-16%
Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. (NAS: CALM)$2,602$2,222$2,120$4321.0x5.1x20%44%
Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. (NYS: FDP)$1,262$1,959$4,420$1910.4x10.3x4%-4%
Adecoagro S.A. (NYS: AGRO)$903$2,145$1,310$4651.6x4.6x35%7%
Mission Produce, Inc. (NAS: AVO)$830$1,012$1,046($3)1.0xnm0%-25%
Farmland Partners Inc (NYS: FPI)$678$1,200$59$4120.2x29.2x69%4%
Calavo Growers, Inc. (NAS: CVGW)$522$587$1,191$150.5x39.2x1%-31%
Limoneira Company (NAS: LMNR)$222$356$185$121.9x28.8x7%-16%
Alico, Inc. (NAS: ALCO)$181$296$92$313.2x9.4x34%-36%
AppHarvest LLC (NAS:APPH)$61$212$13($158)16.2xnm-1205%-85%
Median$830$1,200$1,191$411.6x10.0x10%-16%
Average$2,077$2,897$3,081$3744.4x15.7x-91%-15%
($US in millions)
Food InputsMarket CapEVLTM RevLTM EBITDAEV/LTM RevEV/LTM EBITDALTM Margin EBITDA52-Week Change
Archer Daniels Midland Co (NYS: ADM)$51,154$60,119$98,707$6,3080.6x9.5x6%38%
International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (NYS: IFF)$26,802$37,787$12,627($9)3.0xnm0%-30%
McCormick & Company, Inc. (NYS: MKC)$22,556$27,591$6,385$1,1524.3x24.0x18%-13%
Kerry Group plc (DUB: KRZ)$16,133$18,538$8,814$1,3322.1x13.9x15%-29%
Symrise AG (ETR: SY1)$15,331$17,666$4,705$9823.8x18.0x21%-26%
Darling Ingredients Inc. (NYS: DAR)$9,980$13,405$6,074$1,3442.2x10.0x22%-10%
IMCD N.V. (AMS: IMCD)$8,260$9,101$4,594$5612.0x16.2x12%-34%
The Middleby Corporation (NAS: MIDD)$7,268$9,885$3,868$7562.6x13.1x20%-31%
Ingredion Inc. (NYS: INGR)$6,436$8,656$7,714$9281.1x9.3x12%2%
Olam International Limited (SES:VC2)$4,123$13,198$38,687$1,4680.3x9.0x4%-17%
Balchem Corp (NAS: BCPC)$3,958$4,378$923$1974.7x22.2x21%-27%
Glanbia PLC (DUB: GL9)$3,415$4,231$5,612$4130.8x10.2x7%-9%
Sensient Technologies Corporation (NYS: SXT)$3,106$3,629$1,429$2482.5x14.6x17%-26%
MGP Ingredients Inc (NAS: MGPI)$2,382$2,573$758$1833.4x14.1x24%27%
Median$7,764$11,542$5,843$8422.4x13.9x16%-21%
Average$12,922$16,483$14,350$1,1332.4x14.2x14%-13%
($US in millions)
Food ProducersMarket CapEVLTM RevLTM EBITDAEV/LTM RevEV/LTM EBITDALTM Margin EBITDA52-Week Change
Nestlé S.A. (SWX: NESN)$320,803$371,669$97,938$16,0423.8x23.2x16%-16%
The Kraft Heinz Company (NAS: KHC)$49,830$69,098$25,813$3,6012.7x19.2x14%13%
General Mills Inc. (NYS: GIS)$49,751$61,098$19,367$4,3743.2x14.0x23%25%
The Hershey Company$47,836$52,722$10,093$2,3915.2x22.1x24%21%
Hormel Foods Corporation (NYS: HRL)$24,868$27,174$12,459$1,5752.2x17.2x13%-7%
Kellogg’s Co. (NYS: K)$24,391$31,749$14,902$2,5822.1x12.3x17%11%
Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYS: CAG)$18,581$27,628$11,787$1,3912.3x19.9x12%14%
Campbell Soup Company (NYS: CPB)$16,983$21,707$8,901$1,5682.4x13.8x18%30%
The J.M.Smucker Co., LLC (NYS: SJM)$16,909$21,591$8,169$1,3732.6x15.7x17%17%
Associated British Foods Plc (LON: ABF)$15,045$17,134$21,698$2,5880.8x6.6x12%-29%
Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. (NYS: LW)$12,792$15,071$4,240$7313.6x20.6x17%40%
Post Holdings, Inc. (NYS: POST)$5,301$11,035$5,851$1,5931.9x6.9x27%22%
Simply Good Foods USA Inc (NAS: SMPL)$3,865$4,207$1,169$1983.6x21.2x17%-9%
TreeHouse Foods, Inc. (NYS: THS)$2,742$4,755$4,656$2581.0x18.4x6%21%
The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (NAS: HAIN)$1,453$2,410$1,876$1551.3x15.5x8%-62%
Sovos Brands Intermediate, Inc. (NAS: SOVO)$1,415$1,834$806$262.3x69.6x3%-7%
B&G Foods, Inc. (NYS: BGS)$805$3,236$2,112$1601.5x20.3x8%-63%
Median$16,909$21,591$8,901$1,5682.3x18.4x16%13%
Average$36,081$43,772$14,814$2,3892.5x19.8x15%1%
($US in millions)
Food Supply ChainMarket CapEVLTM RevLTM EBITDAEV/LTM RevEV/LTM EBITDALTM Margin EBITDA52-Week Change
Sysco Corporation (NYS: SYY)$38,940$50,076$71,306$3,3370.7x15.0x5%-2%
Aramark Corp. (NYS: ARMK)$10,729$18,194$16,327$1,1521.1x15.8x7%13%
Performance Food Group, Inc. (NYS: PFGC)$9,175$13,917$55,227$9640.3x14.4x2%28%
US Foods, Inc. (NYS: USFD)$7,700$13,024$33,181$9230.4x14.1x3%-2%
AmeriCold Logistics LLC (NYS: COLD)$7,689$11,145$2,910$3863.8x28.9x13%-13%
United Natural Foods, Inc. (NYS: UNFI)$2,345$6,073$29,463$7390.2x8.2x3%-20%
The Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc (NAS: CHEF)$1,259$1,762$2,380$1090.7x16.2x5%-1%
SpartanNash Company (NAS: SPTN)$1,090$1,880$9,427$1870.2x10.0x2%20%
HF Foods Group Inc (NAS: HFFG)$214$214$715$380.3x5.6x5%-53%
Amcon Distributing Co (ASE: DIT)$115$236$2,011$270.1x8.6x1%-5%
Median$5,017$8,609$12,877$5630.3x14.3x4%-2%
Average$7,926$11,652$22,295$7860.8x13.7x5%-4%
($US in millions)

Stock Index Performance

Sources: Company press releases, company websites, Pitchbook, Mergermarket, Meridian research

Meridian Transaction: Athena Ag Acquires Athena Manufacturing

Meridian Capital LLC (“Meridian”), a leading Seattle-based middle market investment bank and M&A advisory firm, is pleased to announce the successful acquisition of Athena Manufacturing Group by one of its clients, Athena Ag (“the “Company”).

The Company produces a variety of liquid, soluble, and dry fertilizer products for delivery through fertigation systems, which is more efficient than traditional fertilizing spraying techniques. As a result of the Company’s rapidly growing operations, Athena needed to acquire one of its contract manufacturers to add capacity and improve the efficiency of the overall operation. 

Meridian Transaction: Private Manufacturer Acquired by Confidential Buyer

Meridian Capital LLC is pleased to announce the successful acquisition of select assets and division (“the “Division”) of its client, Project Measure (the “Company”) by a confidential buyer. The Division is comprised of certain assets used in the manufacture of sensors and software for usage by environmental research and commercial agriculture. The divestiture of the Division enables the Company to focus exclusively on its food and horticulture divisions while supporting the expansion of the Division.

Fresh Innovations Acquired by Peterson Farms

Peterson Farms, a Michigan-based fruit processing company, acquired Fresh Innovations California, a Stockton, California-based provider of tart and sweet cherries, fresh-cut apple slices, and blueberries to the K-12 and retail markets.

Fresh Innovations was previously owned by Arable Capital, a Bellevue, Washington-based private equity firm. The sale will allow both companies to bolster their fresh-cut processing and distribution capabilities for customers throughout the U.S. The transaction marks the first exit for Arable since its formation in 2017.

Select Food & Agribusiness M&A Transactions

Agriculture Production & Inputs

DateTargetBuyerDescription
PendingAgroFresh SolutionsPaine Schwartz PartnersCreator of agricultural technologies that preserve the quality and value of fresh produce and flowers
Dec-22MightyVinePlant Agricultural Systems30-acre hydroponic tomato farm
Dec-22Peterson FarmsMubadala CapitalProcessor of fresh-cut apples, frozen fruit produce, and non-concentrate juice
Nov-22Athena Manufacturing GroupAthena AgProvider of liquid, soluble and dry fertilizer products for delivery through fertigation systems
Nov-22FarmersWebFull HarvestSaaS farm inventory management platforn
Oct-22Costa GroupPaine Schwartz PartnersGrower, packer, and marketer of fresh fruit and vegetables
Oct-22Blazer WilkinsonArable Capital PartnersProducer and packager of strawberries
Oct-22SunWest Fruit CompanyFowler PackingApple and cherry packer
Oct-22Columbia Fruit PackersGoldman Sachs Asset ManagementPacker of fruits and provider of warehouse services
Oct-22GavilonViterraDistributor of grains, feed ingredients, and fertilizer
Sep-22Northampton Growers Produce SalesWyco ProduceGrower and packer of squash, beans, cabbage, corn and eggplant
Sep-22Central Texas Tree careSavATreeGeneral tree care and plant health care for homeowners and commercial clients
Sep-22XylemSterling Investment PartnersLeading provider of vegetation management and emergency storm response services
Sep-22AgvntSummit NutrientsProvider of liquid fertilizers and nano-technologies for crop production and yield improvement
Aug-22LannateTessenderlo KerleyProduct line of Corteva Agriscience, specialty pest control chemicals
Aug-22Cape Cod StoneSiteOne Landscape SupplyDistributor of hardscape products
Aug-22Barrett’s Tree ServiceSavATreeShrub and landscape provider
Aug-22SubsoleFruturaChilean fruit exporter, grower, and packer
Jul-22RainSweetScenic Fruit CompanyIQF processor and co-packer of blueberries, blackberries, stawberries, and vegetables
Jul-22VegPro InternationalVision Ridge PartnersGrower and packer of baby lettuce & largest fresh vegetable producer in Canada
Jul-22Lecoq CuisineGroupe Le DuffFrozen pastry wholesaler
Jul-22River Valley HorticultureSiteOne Landscape SupplyWholesale distributor of landscape supplies
Jul-22Gladstone LandResource Land Holdings1,317 gross acres of vineyard farmland across Washington and Oregon

Food Inputs & Production

DateTargetBuyerDescription
PendingGelnexDarling Ingredients Inc.Global prducer of collagen prducts
Dec-22Milk Specialties GlobalButterfly EquityIngredient manufacturer focused on processing raw dairy inputs
Dec-22Vertullo ImportsSandy Hills InvestorsLeading specialty food imports business
Dec-22Fresh InnovationsPeterson FarmsSupplier of organic and conventional fresh-cut apple slices to schools
Dec-22Southwest SpiceGulf PacificValue-added packager and processor of dry edible beans and spice blends
Dec-22Gulf PacificEos PartnersValue-add processor of high-quality specialty foods and ingredients
Dec-22Seviroli FoodsMill Point CapitalManufacturer of frozen pasta and other food products
Dec-22TriOak FoodsJBS USAPork processor and producer
Dec-22Liberty FruitRuss Davis WholesaleSQF-certified produce distribution and processing facility
Nov-22Imperial SugarUnited States SugarProcessor and marketer of refined sugar
Nov-22Owensboro Grain CompanyCargillFully integrated soy processing facility
Nov-22MTC DistributingHarbor Wholesale FoodsCalifornia-based distributor of foods
Nov-22Teton Waters Ranch, Sun RanchSunrise Strategic PartnersProviders of grass fed beef, boxed beef, and case-ready products
Nov-22Lombardi Brothers MeatsFounders Group of Food CompaniesSpecialty meat processor and distributor
Nov-22Saratoga Food SpecialitiesSolinaSeasoning and sauce manufacturer
Oct-22Lipari FoodsLittlejohn & CoDistributor and value-add manufacturer of speciality foods
Oct-22Left Coast Food CompanyWorldwide ProduceDistributor of produce, dry goods and frozen goods
Oct-22NW Foodservice Distribution, Inc.Harbor FoodserviceBroadline foodservice distributor servicing Southwest Washington and Northwest Oregon
Oct-22Off the Dock SeafoodFortune InternationalSeafood, meat, poultry, and gourmet food processor
Oct-22Sunrise ProduceInvestcorpWholesale produce distribution company
Oct-22Fresh EdgeWind Point PartnersFresh food disrtibution company with 830 trucks and 25 facilities over 795K sqft
Oct-22Denali IngredientsOrklaIce cream ingredient provider
Oct-22Rainfield Marketing GroupGrubMarketProvider of hiqh quality fruts, vegetables, and Asian specialty items
Oct-22TruFood ManufacturingMubadala Investment CompanySnack food contract manufacturing
Oct-22Culinary IntenationalRuiz Food ProductsManufacturer of ready-to-eat frozen and refrigerated Mexican foods
Oct-22FreshEdgeWind Point PartnersFresh food distribution company
Oct-22TreeHouse Foods (Meal-Prep Division)InvestindustrialOperator of a meal preparation business intended to serve retail, food service and industrial customers
Sep-22Gulf PacificCapital Southwest BDCRice processing and merchandising
Sep-22Jensen’s Blue Ribbon ProcessingHFP Capital MarketsMeat processing and packaging
Sep-22Spice Chain CompanyiSpice FoodsImporter and processor of spices
Sep-22Humic Growth SolutionsPaine Schwartz PartnersDeveloper of humic acid products
Sep-22Keystone Natural HoldingsHouse Foods GroupPackaged food manufacturer of tofu and meat alternatives
Sep-22Scelta ProductsMcCain FoodsFrozen-food based in the Netherlands
Sep-22Bell Carter FoodsAceitunas GuadalquivirManufacturer of table olives
Sep-22Sokol & CompanyBurlington Capital PartnersContract manufacturer of sauces, glazes, and marinades
Sep-22Water Lillies FoodBlue Point Capital PartnersManufacturer and distributor of premium frozen Asian-inspired cuisine

Sources: Company press releases, company websites, Pitchbook, Mergermarket, Meridian research

 

Meridian Capital's Food & Agribusiness Transaction Experience

*Note: Includes transactions completed by Meridian bankers while at previous firms

Meridian Capital’s Food & Agribusiness Team

James Rothenberger Photo
James Rothenberger
Managing Director
Brandon Leyert Photo
Brandon Leyert
Vice President

Food & Agribusiness M&A Reports

Food & Agribusiness M&A Trends: Summer 2022

July 18, 2022

Food & Agribusiness M&A Trends: Spring 2022

March 11, 2022

Agribusiness M&A Trends: Fall 2021

November 17, 2021

Food & Beverage M&A Trends: Summer 2021

July 20, 2021

Food & Beverage M&A Trends: Winter 2021

April 21, 2021

Agribusiness M&A Trends: Winter 2021

April 21, 2021

Food & Beverage M&A Update: Winter 2019

February 27, 2019

Food + Beverage M&A Update – Winter 2018

February 20, 2018

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