Grasslands acquires Prairie Berries as founder retires
Saskatchewan-based Grasslands Group of Companies has acquired Prairie Berries Inc., Canada's largest Saskatoon berry producer.
In a move to expand Saskatchewan's agricultural products to global markets, Grasslands Group of Companies announced it has acquired Prairie Berries Inc., the country's leading grower and processor of Saskatoon berries.
This acquisition marks a significant step in Grasslands' strategy to enhance its presence in the agri-food industry while honoring the legacy of Prairie Berries' founder, Sandy Purdy, who is retiring after over two decades of leadership.
“We're incredibly proud to build upon the strong foundation Prairie Berries has established in Saskatoon berry production over the past 20+ years,” said Sandy Zielinski, CEO of Grasslands Group of Companies with the announcement Apr. 1. "As Saskatchewan-based companies, this acquisition is meaningful to us — it allows us to honour the work that's been done, support local agriculture, and expand the global reach of Canada's exceptional elite berry, while remaining committed to our values of quality and sustainability.”
Over the past year, Grasslands has served as Prairie Berries' exclusive sales broker, facilitating a smooth transition. The acquisition was supported by Farm Credit Canada (FCC), whose commitment to Canadian agriculture played a key role in the deal.
Prairie Berries, founded in 1993, has been a pioneer in Saskatoon berry innovation, combining sustainable farming practices with a commitment to high-quality products. The company operates one of the world's largest Saskatoon berry orchards, spanning over 160 acres, and offers its products to both retail and wholesale markets.
Grasslands, headquartered in Regina, Saskatchewan, specializes in the trading of organic and conventional specialty products for local and global markets.
