In a bold move to expand its footprint beyond Central America, Guatemalan conglomerate Castillo Hermanos has struck a deal to acquire Harvest Hill Beverage Company, the U.S.-based maker of SunnyD and other popular drink brands, for approximately $1.5 billion. Announced on April 3, 2025, this acquisition marks a significant step for the family-owned business as it seeks to leverage the nostalgic appeal of the bright orange citrus drink and turbocharge its growth in the competitive U.S. market.
Castillo Hermanos, founded in 1886, is no stranger to diversification. With a sprawling portfolio that spans food and beverage production, retail, and real estate across Central America, the company has built a reputation as a regional powerhouse. Now, by purchasing Harvest Hill from private-equity firm Brynwood Partners, Castillo is poised to bring its operational expertise to a broader stage, tapping into the American thirst for familiar yet evolving beverage brands.
Harvest Hill’s lineup is a treasure trove of childhood favorites, including SunnyD, Juicy Juice, and Little HUG. SunnyD, in particular, holds a special place in the hearts of many, its neon-orange hue and tangy flavor evoking memories of school lunches and summer days. Since its inception over six decades ago, the chilled juice drink has maintained a strong presence in U.S. refrigerators, distributed widely through major retailers. The acquisition also brings Fruit2O, Veryfine, Big Burst, and Guzzler into Castillo’s fold, offering a diverse range of hydration options to build upon.
For Castillo Hermanos, this deal is more than just a nostalgic grab—it’s a strategic play. By acquiring Harvest Hill, the conglomerate gains access to established manufacturing facilities in the U.S., allowing it to sidestep tariffs and potentially introduce its own Central American products to American consumers. This could mean a fusion of flavors on the horizon, blending Castillo’s regional expertise with Harvest Hill’s mainstream appeal. The $1.5 billion price tag, which includes debt, reflects the high stakes and higher ambitions of this cross-border venture.
Castillo isn’t going it alone. The company has teamed up with Centerview Capital, a U.S.-based investment firm with a knack for revitalizing consumer brands, to seal the deal. Centerview, founded by industry veteran Jim Kilts—formerly of Procter & Gamble fame—brings a wealth of experience to the table. Together, they aim to not only preserve SunnyD’s iconic status but also propel it into a new era of growth, possibly through innovative flavors, expanded marketing, or even a push into untapped markets.
The timing of the acquisition is noteworthy. Latin American firms have increasingly looked northward in recent years, partnering with U.S. investors to snag food and beverage companies. Just last year, Guatemalan conglomerate Grupo Mariposa’s investment arm, Bia Foods, joined forces with BDT & MSD Partners to acquire Badia Spices for $1.2 billion. Castillo’s move follows a similar playbook, signaling a growing trend of Central American businesses eyeing the U.S. as a springboard for global expansion.
For Brynwood Partners, the sale of Harvest Hill wraps up a successful chapter. The private-equity firm has nurtured the company since merging it with Sunny Delight Beverages Co. in 2017, following its initial purchase in 2016. Under Brynwood’s stewardship, Harvest Hill also picked up the Nutrament energy drink brand from Nestlé, bolstering its portfolio. Now, as Castillo Hermanos takes the reins, the focus shifts to how this Guatemalan giant will steer these beloved brands into the future.
What’s next for SunnyD and its siblings? Castillo Hermanos has a chance to refresh these classics while staying true to their roots. Whether that means new packaging, bolder marketing campaigns, or an infusion of Central American flair, one thing is clear: the bright orange drink that’s been a staple for generations is about to get a fresh twist—courtesy of a family business with big dreams and a $1.5 billion bet.
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