Taylor Farms, a leading salad producer based in the US, has made a strategic investment in Hessing, a well-established processor and distributor of fresh fruits and vegetables situated in the Netherlands.
Although the financial details of the agreement remain undisclosed, this collaboration underscores a significant step in the food manufacturing sector.
Established in 1968, Hessing effectively serves markets across Germany, Belgium, Denmark, and the Netherlands.
The company operates facilities that include a fruit processing unit in Schwalmtal, Germany, and a vegetable production site in Greenport Venlo, Netherlands.
Employing around 2,000 individuals, Hessing offers a range of products including salads, meal kits, and an assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables to supermarkets and restaurant chains throughout Europe.
Taylor Farms anticipates that this acquisition will empower Hessing to execute its “strong growth strategy,” leveraging “innovative advancements” in food manufacturing.
Despite this investment, Hessing will remain a family-owned business.
Hessing CEO Frank Hessing emphasized, “In our rapidly changing market, innovation and automation are essential for growth. With the expertise of Taylor Farms, we can confidently build towards a healthy and sustainable future while expanding our reach. Together, we can better support our customers in their demand for healthy, fresh products.”
Headquartered in Salinas, California, Taylor Farms operates facilities across the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Commenting on the partnership, Taylor Farms chairman and CEO Bruce Taylor remarked, “By combining our respective knowledge and expertise, we can accelerate the development of fresh food innovations and capitalize on new opportunities in Europe together.”
“Our mutual commitment to innovation aligns with our goal of creating a positive impact across the entire supply chain.”
In July last year, Taylor Farms acquired a stake in Spanish vegetable group Foodiverse.
In August this year, it was reported that the company was in discussions to take over Bonduelle’s salad operations in France.
However, in October, Taylor Farms voluntarily recalled certain yellow onions supplied to fast-food chains in the US following a deadly E. coli O157:H7 outbreak.
