Dutch firms Hispa Fruit and Staay Food Group have reached a deal whereby Staay is taking over 70 per cent of the shares in Hispa Fruit.

The remaining 30 per cent share will continue to be held by Miguel Gonzalez.

The agreement means that Staay also secures Hispa’s stake in Costa Rican pineapple farm Agricola Agromonte.

Hispa, which has a share in UK melon, mango, grape and pineapple importer VidaFresh, will continue to operate independently of Staay and both Dutch firms will maintain their identities.

However, it does mean enhanced sourcing opportunities for both of them as well as for VidaFresh which could tap into the salads offering of Staay.

VidaFresh MD Terry Watts told freshinfo: "Being part-owned by such a large, important and highly experienced importer/producer group brings exciting new opportunities for both us and our expanding client base.

"This new partnership fits perfectly with our business model of reducing the links (and therefore the costs) in the chain between grower and client. It is all part of our planned growth strategy.

"Together with our access to Hispa’s pineapple and melon production, we are now in a position whereby we can greatly increase our range of fresh produce sourced directly from our own growers."

The deal is subject to Dutch competition authority approval.

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