en.Wedoany.com Reported - Zanchetta Alimentos has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Brazilian operations of US-based Hormel Foods, which owns the Ceratti brand. The transaction amount was not disclosed.
Hormel stated that the transaction is expected to close within the coming weeks, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. Until then, operations for employees, customers, and partners will continue as usual. The sale is part of Hormel's strategy to streamline its product portfolio and focus on international markets with greater long-term growth potential. The company also indicated that the transaction is expected to have a minimal impact on its adjusted results for fiscal year 2026. Hormel Foods, headquartered in Austin, Minnesota, USA, is a global food company with annual revenues exceeding $12 billion. It is a component of the S&P 500 index and owns brands such as Skippy, Spam, Applegate, Jennie-O, and Planters.
Through this transaction, Ceratti returns to Brazilian corporate control after nine years under Hormel's management. The US company entered Brazil in 2017, acquiring Ceratti's original owner, Cidade do Sol, for approximately $104 million.
Zanchetta, headquartered in Boituva, in the interior of São Paulo state, operates across an integrated food chain, including hatcheries, feed mills, breeder farms, slaughtering, processing, and logistics. According to the company, its headquarters spans over 420,000 square meters. The group owns the Brazilian chicken brand Alliz (operating for over 20 years) and Mondelli Alimentos (a meat company deeply rooted in the Brazilian market since 1935 and engaged in international business since 1986). The acquisition of Ceratti will expand Zanchetta's presence in higher value-added meat products, deli items, and processed goods. Hormel's Brazilian subsidiary produces and sells over 100 products across 15 categories, including Ceratti-branded deli and meat products, as well as chicken lines and resale of imported products.
This acquisition also strengthens Zanchetta's presence in the B2C market and creates opportunities to explore new consumption scenarios. Ceratti has expanded its operations in the food service sector, with this channel growing over 30% year-on-year in 2025, now accounting for more than 18% of the company's total revenue.
