Berjé Inc. Acquires Peru-based Global Citrus International and Acelim del Peru

On Apr 19, 2024

Carteret-based Berjé Inc., a global leader and distributor of essential oils and aromatic chemicals, announces the acquisition of Global Citrus International (GCI) and Acelim del Peru, Peruvian growers and producers of essential oils and fruit products with extensive operations in Peru and strong collaboration with, Citrolim SA de CV, based in Mexico. With this acquisition, GCI and Acelim will become part of the Berjé Inc. family of companies, and will be renamed and operated as Citrolim Peru and Acelim.

GCI and Acelim are respected and preeminent growers, processors and suppliers of lime-based products, including fresh limes, lime essential oils, lime juice, and lime peel. The name change and re-branding as Citrolim Peru will facilitate the integration and alignment of these operations into the world-renowned Berjé family of companies, further expanding the company as international producers within the flavor industry.

Like Berjé, GCI and Acelim are family-owned and operated and a hallmark of operations for the multi-generational companies. Prior to the acquisition, GCI and Acelim were owned and operated by the Texas-based Readhimer family. Founded in 1971 by the family patriarch, James Readhimer, the businesses continued to grow under James’ sons, with David Readhimer serving as CEO and Marvin Readhimer serving as CFO and legal lead since the 1980s. The second-generation family-run business has been a respected, quality grower, processor, supplier, and distributor of limes and lime products for over 50 years.

The corporate culture and business philosophies of the companies are very closely aligned with Berjé, now in its third generation as a family-owned and operated business, making for a smooth transition and uninterrupted service to customers. This acquisition provides opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing between the Berjé and Citrolim Peru and Acelim teams, driving both innovation and growth.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity for Berjé to strengthen our comprehensive line of citrus products, providing our customers access to the highest quality products available in the marketplace,” said Gillian Bleimann-Boucard, CEO of Berjé. “Like Berjé, the Readhimer’s family of businesses has always been known for quality, sustainability and a commitment to its employees, partners and customers. We are thrilled to be able to bolster our citrus line to ensure the quality, traceability and availability that our customers need, and we welcome our new teammates into the Berjé family of companies.”

The acquisition of the Citrolim assets in Peru and collaboration in Mexico will be a seamless, turn-key transaction, with operations continuing uninterrupted and the entire workforce being integrated into the Berjé family of companies. In Peru, Berjé will assume full ownership, management and operation of both the farming and lime processing operations, while in Mexico, Berjé will work with the Readhimer family to continue operations and management of the existing lime processing facility. Berjé will provide the necessary support and resources to facilitate a smooth transition and ensure current employees’ success within the organization.

“Now in our 75th year, The Berjé Group remains committed to our values of Integrity, Industry Leadership, Legacy, Passion, Accountability, and Diversity,” said Bleimann-Boucard. “Our vision is to maintain and grow our global leadership position building upon our trusted personalized service and our diverse range of fragrance and flavor ingredients, botanicals, and functional ingredients from our unparalleled inventory. We are relentlessly committed to our clients, team members and to ethically and sustainably sourcing ingredients from our processing facilities and global producing partners.”

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