Poland’s Suempol has made a significant move by acquiring Van Biesen & Pieters in Belgium, marking its return to the roots of shrimp processing and distribution.
This family-owned business, based in Sint-Gillis-Waas, East Flanders, is Suempol’s latest strategic addition. Since 2010, Suempol has expanded through mergers and acquisitions in markets like the UK and France.
Claiming to be Poland’s oldest smoked salmon business, Suempol began operations in 1989. It offers a variety of fresh salmon products, including value-added options like breaded items, meatballs, and frankfurters.
The history of Van Biesen & Pieters stretches back to the 1940s.
“We believe that Van Biesen & Pieters’ experience and reputation in the Belgian market will be a significant asset in further strengthening our position internationally,” stated Maciej Jaworowski, vice president of Suempol’s board, on September 5th.
“We are pleased that the current owner, now representing the fourth generation, remains with the team and will actively support and participate in the joint development of not only Van Biesen & Pieters but also our entire family of businesses.”
This latest acquisition follows Suempol’s purchase of UK-based fresh fish supplier Copernus last year. In 2013, the company acquired Marcel-Baey, a French smoked salmon peer based in Boulogne-sur-Mer. Additionally, three years prior, it obtained Germany’s Norfisk Delikatessen, another producer of smoked salmon.
Originally focused on shrimp processing and exporting to the Netherlands and Belgium, Suempol asserts that acquiring Van Biesen & Pieters “sees the company returning to its roots, simultaneously expanding its offerings with top-quality shrimp and opening up new growth opportunities.”
The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
Anthony Pieters, managing director of Van Biesen & Pieters, remarked, “I believe that together we will be able to develop strong foundations, expand our business reach, and provide our customers with products that meet the highest standards.”
“With production facilities and offices in Poland, Germany, Norway, France, the UK, and now Belgium, we are strengthening our position as one of the leading family-owned seafood companies in Europe.”
