De Heus Voeders, a leading Dutch company in animal nutrition and feed production, has strategically expanded its operations by acquiring Kessels Holding, a prominent poultry processor.
While the financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed, Kessels Holding includes various entities such as Van der Linden & Co., Van der Linden & Co. Beheer, and Van der Linden Diervoeders. The acquisition aligns with Kessels Holding’s search for a “suitable successor” for its current directors and shareholders, Jan and Geert Kessels, as indicated in the announcement of the deal.
Kessels Holding’s portfolio features a compound feed factory, Van der Linden Diervoeders, a broiler farm named Van der Linden Poultry Farms, and a broiler slaughterhouse known as Van der Linden Poultry Products. This well-established family business, founded in 1876, rears chicks from their farms and collaborates with other broiler farmers to supply chicken products, primarily targeted for export.
Their offerings include whole chicks and a variety of chicken parts, which are distributed not only across Europe but also to global markets. This acquisition is expected to strengthen De Heus’s position in the food and beverage industry trends, ultimately enhancing its impact on the food and drink business.
In terms of operational continuity, the broiler slaughterhouse employs around 65 full-time staff and 25 part-time workers across various departments, including supply, ready-to-cook, packaging, and dispatch. Geert Kessels will remain actively involved as the operational director for slaughtering activities, while Jan Kessels is set to retire, entrusting his responsibilities to the next generation.
De Heus emphasized that there will be no alterations to the daily operations for the suppliers and customers of Van der Linden Poultry Products. “Naturally, all existing agreements will be respected and continued,” they assured.
Headquartered in Ede, Gelderland, De Heus specializes in producing feeds, premixes, and concentrates. This acquisition not only reflects their commitment to growth but also showcases vital food and drink consumer trends in the industry. It is a pivotal move that enhances their product offerings and strengthens their market position.
By keeping an eye on emerging trends in the food and beverage sector, De Heus is poised to lead in adapting to changing consumer demands, thus reinforcing their role in the dynamic food and drink landscape.