VEVEY, SWITZERLAND – Nestle Health Science, a business unit of Nestle SA, has agreed to acquire Puravida, a Brazilian nutrition and lifestyle brand that manufactures and markets such applications as drink mixes, protein powders, nutrition bars and snacks that is based in São Paulo. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Puravida is owned by the private equity firm Aqua Capital. The nutrition-focused company was founded in 2016 and is described by Aqua Capital as a “digitally native vertical brand.” Sixty percent of Puravida’s sales are generated through its business-to-consumer e-commerce channel with the remainder being sold in brick-and-mortar retail throughout Brazil, according to the private equity investor.
“Bringing together Puravida’s and Nestle Health Science’s deep experience in nutrition research and development will result in further innovation, expanding the breadth and depth of the portfolio across consumer and health care professional channels. Our retail capabilities will open up new opportunities for Puravida to further growth and our strong network with healthcare professionals will expand the presence of the brand,” said Monica Meale, head of Nestle Health Science Latam.
The transaction is expected to close during the second quarter of 2022.
Nestle has acquired several health-focused businesses during the past few years. In February, the company acquired a majority stake in Orgain, Irvine, Calif., a plant-based nutrition company that manufactures and markets powders, ready-to-drink beverages and nutrition bars. That same month, Nestle finalized its acquisition of Vital Proteins, a Chicago-based manufacturer of collagen-based foods, beverages and supplements.
In May 2021, Nestle acquired Nuun, a functional hydration brand that markets low-sugar electrolyte tablets that dissolve in water, and in April Nestle acquired some vitamin and supplement brands from The Bountiful Co. for $5.75 billion.
“Vitamins and supplements are a key part of our business and have contributed to strong growth acceleration,” said Greg Behar, chief executive officer of Nestle Health Science, when Nestle made The Bountiful Co. acquisition. “This acquisition complements our existing health and nutrition portfolio in terms of brands and channels. It will establish Nestle Health Science as the industry leader in mass retail, specialty retail, e-commerce and direct-to-consumer in the US, while offering significant opportunities for geographic growth.”