The boards of directors of Veiling Haspengouw, Univeg and AIF have, before the start of the Belgian topfruit season, officially signed a final agreement for future cooperation.
It follows a statement in late May that initial investigations were taking place over a possible commercial cooperation between the groups.
In the new structure, Veiling Haspengouw will continue to exist as a cooperative and will be strengthened by a broader distribution channel. Univeg has taken a stake in two subsidiaries of Veiling Haspengouw: H-Fruit and H-Pack.
H-Fruit is the sales organisation for all topfruit and soft fruit produced by Veiling Haspengouw’s fruit growing members. H-Pack is the sorting and packing station of the auction and is among the most modern in Europe. Carlo Franssen has been appointed to manage these two subsidiaries. Through this cooperation H-Fruit and H-Pack will reinforce their commercial position in the topfruit market.
The project is supported by AIF, the investment fund of Groep Boerenbond, as it strengthens the position of Belgian fruit growers and encourages market-driven production.
The cooperation of the partners complies with CMO regulations and has been approved by the CMO Authority. Furthermore, an agreement has been obtained from the Competition Authority and EFC, the partnership of Veiling Haspengouw, the Dutch Koninklijke Fruitmasters Groep and WOG Raiffeisen e.G. in southern Germany.
Following a successful cherry season, Veiling Haspengouw is confident that what it calls a 'timely decision' to formalise the cooperation between Veiling Haspengouw and Univeg, and to further professionalise the marketing structure, will bring 'significant benefits to customers and growers alike'.
