Grupo Zanchetta wins CADE approval to acquire Ceratti meat brand

Brazil’s antitrust authority, CADE, approved without restrictions the purchase of Ceratti’s operations – previously owned by Hormel Brasil – by Grupo Zanchetta. The regulator found no competition concerns, noting that the overlap in the sausage market keeps the combined share below the 20% threshold used to assess dominance. The deal transfers 100% of Hormel Brasil’s capital and its subsidiaries, including the historic Ceratti brand and its Vinhedo processing plant, though the transaction value was not disclosed.

Grupo Zanchetta said the acquisition is a key step in its strategy to broaden its processed‑pork portfolio and bring the Ceratti name closer to the final consumer. The company highlighted its intent to preserve the 92‑year‑old brand’s heritage while expanding innovation and market reach. Founded by José Carlos Zanchetta, the group has grown from chicken to beef and pork operations and already exports a significant share of its meat production. Hormel had bought Ceratti in 2017 for US$104 million and is now divesting it as part of a portfolio simplification plan.