The Westfalia group of companies has acquired UK importer Greencell Ltd.
Since Greencell’s management bought the business in April 2000, the firm, which has sites in Spalding, Dartford and Sheerness, has grown steadily and now employs close to 100 people.
Henri Lambriex, managing director of Greencell, is “delighted” with the move. He said: “This new development brings us closer links with a noted primary producer and European distributor, which will take our growth to the next level.”
Westfalia is part of the Hans Merensky Group, a world-class producer and distributor of fruit and timber products, and an industry leader with many notable firsts at its farming operations in South Africa.
Westfalia was the first in its sector to adopt standards such as Organic, Fairtrade and GlobalGAP, says the firm, and was the first overseas LEAF producer.
The South African company has since diversified into the processing of avocados and mangoes and has established a marketing network across Europe. Westfalia is also a pioneer in social and human rights and forms a key part of the Waitrose and Albert Heijn Foundations.
The management and staff of Greencell will continue as before, according to Claus Lippert, managing director of Westfalia Limited, with Lambriex remaining as managing director. “Together we foresee no change in the Greencell operation, values and service,” said a joint statement.
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