Castillo Hermanos Expands Its Portfolio with Harvest Hill Beverage Acquisition

In an ambitious move to solidify its presence in the U.S. market, Castillo Hermanos, a well-established multinational company founded in 1886, has publicly announced its intent to acquire Harvest Hill Beverage Company, a significant player in the beverage industry known for brands such as SunnyD®, Juicy Juice®, and Little HUG®. The announcement, made on April 3, 2025, highlights Castillo Hermanos' strategy to bolster its U.S. operations by partnering with the esteemed investment firm Centerview Capital, which will provide crucial support in this venture.

A Vision for Growth

Castillo Hermanos has built a solid reputation over its 139 years of operation across more than 35 countries. They have significantly captivated consumers with brands like Gallo Beer (known as Famosa in the U.S.) and Del Frutal juices. The acquisition of Harvest Hill is expected to enhance Castillo Hermanos' existing U.S. business unit by leveraging Harvest Hill’s established reputation and distribution networks.

Juan Monge Calderón, the company's Chairman, reflected on the acquisition, describing it as a landmark moment in the company's history. He expressed enthusiasm about joining forces with Harvest Hill’s leadership team and emphasized the mutual goal of creating globally recognized brands that drive sustained growth.

Strategic Partnership with Centerview Capital

Amidst the expansion, Centerview Capital's involvement as a strategic partner has sparked interest. They bring a wealth of experience in fostering growth within the consumer sector. According to Jim Kilts, Founding Partner of Centerview Capital, both companies have proven track records in acquiring and integrating assets, which bodes well for the potential of this transaction.

Enhancing U.S. Beverage Presence

Harvest Hill brings a diverse portfolio of products including Juicy Juice®, which is recognized as the leading 100% juice brand for children in the U.S. This acquisition not only symbolizes growth for Castillo Hermanos but also enhances its offerings in the juice and self-serve beverage segment. The integration of Harvest Hill’s operations will create a powerful platform that caters to a range of consumer preferences across multiple channels.

Roberto Lara, CEO of Castillo Hermanos, emphasized the exciting possibilities this merger creates. The addition of Harvest Hill’s renowned brands to Castillo's portfolio represents a compelling opportunity to scale its beverage offerings while also enhancing the distribution and manufacturing infrastructure across the U.S.

Moreover, Castillo Hermanos intends to introduce new beverage brands from its Maravilla division to the U.S. market, potentially lowering production and distribution costs through local manufacturing.

Commitment to Employees and Culture

One of the most significant aspects of this acquisition is Castillo Hermanos' commitment to preserving jobs. All of Harvest Hill's 1,000+ employees will join the large Castillo Hermanos family, which consists of over 20,000 individuals. This integration speaks to Castillo's emphasis on people and culture within the company.

Rob Mortati, President and CEO of Harvest Hill, echoed this sentiment by stating, “Our companies are founded on shared values of respect, quality, and customer focus, making this partnership a perfect match.”

Looking Ahead

As the deal progresses, it remains subject to certain customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. The financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed, but preparations for a smooth integration process are already in motion. With both companies aligned in their strategic vision, the future looks promising for this newly formed beverage powerhouse.

As they embark on this new journey together, Castillo Hermanos and Harvest Hill are poised to deliver innovative and beloved products to consumers, enhancing their market presence through strategic growth and collaboration.

For more information about Castillo Hermanos, visit their website at Castillo Hermanos. For insights about Harvest Hill, check out Harvest Hill.