Devos Group and Wouters Fruit, both reputable family-owned firms based in Belgium, have announced an exciting merger of their trading operations, set to take effect on August 1 under the new name Devos-Wouters. This strategic alliance is expected to enhance their positioning within the food and beverage industry trends, allowing them to better serve their customers.
While the financial specifics of the merger remain undisclosed, the union aims to leverage each company’s strengths. Devos Group, established in 1984 in Gettbets, Flemish Brabant, has built a reputation for growing and packing high-quality apples, pears, and soft fruits. With production facilities located in both Belgium and France, they have become a trusted supplier in the food and drink business.
Wouters Fruit, also situated in the same province, complements this venture by not only providing a variety of fruits but also additional vegetables sourced from their facilities in Slovakia. This fifth-generation family business has been active in exports since 1992, showcasing their commitment to meeting food and drink consumer trends.
This merger will allow for vertical integration across various operations, including production, cooling, sorting, and packaging. The companies anticipate an expansion in their sales efforts, ultimately offering customers larger volumes, a more reliable supply chain, and expedited service.
Furthermore, Devos-Wouters plans to broaden its portfolio in soft fruits in the future, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to market demands.
In a joint statement regarding the merger, the companies highlighted their deep-rooted family histories and commitment to innovation in the food and beverage sector. They expressed confidence that their comprehensive trading portfolios would effectively serve both domestic and international markets. Their shared values include a family-oriented ethos, innovation in supply and production, as well as exceptional service for both customers and growers.
Silke Wouters of Wouters Fruit articulated the collaborative spirit, saying, “Our families have been friends for years and share the same values and vision. We both started as growers and will continue to produce fruit with passion in the future. That is our foundation. Our trading companies perfectly complement each other, each with their own specialties and markets. This collaboration feels natural, and we are tremendously excited about what the future holds.”
Pieter Devos of Devos Group added, “A merger can only succeed if both parties share the same vision. With Devos-Wouters, we aim to establish a strong brand that serves producers and customers alike. Together, we are stronger than ever.”
