SAO PAULO, BRAZIL —  Arlon Group announced on Feb. 10 that it has acquired a significant stake in Grano Alimentos S.A. (Grano), based in Serafina Correa, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Grano is a leading manufacturer of packaged frozen vegetable products, selling to food service, retail, private label and industrial clients throughout Brazil. As part of the investment, Charlie Conner and Bruno Silva have joined the company's board of directors as Arlon's representatives.

Arlon is a food and agriculture investment firm with a global network that supports investments across the entire food supply chain in middle-market businesses in the Americas. Arlon's investment focus comes from its roots, which began with its founding investor, Continental Grain Company, a 200-year-old leader in the food and agriculture space.

Grano was founded in 2000 by Edi Deitos to add value to primary production by offering high quality products to the consumer. Today the company has a significant market share in Brazil in the fast-growing frozen vegetable market. Grano uses a semi-integrated sourcing model and sources vegetables year-round from local producers in the region. The company is known for its strong brand, the quality and reliability of its product offering, and the reach of its distribution.

Roberto Denuzzo, a seasoned food executive who brings more than 25 years of experience in the sector, including roles at Bunge and Sadia, has joined the company as chief executive officer, and Gustavo Cochlar, a finance executive with extensive food and beverage experience gained at Ambev, has joined as chief financial officer. Founder and former CEO, Edi Deitos, will remain on the board of directors and will also be responsible for a variety of strategic projects at the company. Ricardo Zortea, director of operations, and other key executives at Grano will continue to lead Grano's operations.