MERIT, the Holding company of the Saadé family (and CMA CGM Group) has completed a 100% acquisition of the Lebanese nut-retailing company, Al Rifaï, a market leader in the nuts and appetizers business. For MERIT, this latest acquisition reaffirms the Group’s ambition to invest in Lebanon, providing growth and employment opportunities, while supporting and expanding Lebanese know-how across the globe.
Al Rifaï, a success story of 73 years
Throughout the years, the Al Rifaï brand has become synonymous with Lebanese pride and heritage, holding a special place in the minds and hearts of its loyal consumers. Since its establishment in 1948, with the support and expertise of its 200+ employees, a state of the art factory, 28 point of sales in Lebanon, in addition to the roastery’s extensive catalogue of over 800 high-quality product references and a powerful and innovative ecommerce platform, Al Rifaï brand became a market leader in its product category, producing high-quality flavors of nuts, as well as coffee and confectionary.
An acquisition to accelerate the start of a new chapter for the development of Al Rifaï
As part of the acquisition, Al Rifaï will embark on an ambitious roadmap to transform its business and develop the export of its products around the world. This will be possible with the International maritime and logistics expertise and networks of MERIT Holding, providing new growth opportunities for Al Rifaï to become a global brand. MERIT looks forward to taking the roastery’s expansion to the next level, while catering to their consumers’ needs, in Lebanon and abroad.
MERIT continues to stand by Lebanon during this period of intense economic and social challenges. With this acquisition, the company reiterates more than ever its pledge to support the country’s economy through the development of Lebanese businesses.
On this occasion, Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman of MERIT and Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM Group declared: “We are particularly proud today to welcome Al Rifaï into the MERIT family. This acquisition confirms our commitment to the country, as we continue to invest in its potential and talents. With our maritime and logistics expertise, we look forward to expanding the iconic brand’s presence around the globe. I would like to thank Mohamed Al Rifaï and his family for their trust to place the brand in our hands, following their hard work and dedication throughout the years, with the objective of enhancing the brand that represents the best of what Lebanon can offer”.