Katopé Malet Azoulay is changing its name to become Univeg Katopé (UK) Ltd and launching a new UK subsidiary of the Univeg group: Univeg Direct (UK) Ltd.
Six months ago, Belgian produce giant Univeg acquired the shareholding of the Katopé International Group. Since then, the directors of the UK-based business, Katopé Malet Azoulay, have been investigating the opportunities that integration of the two businesses could offer to their customer base, given Univeg’s broad product portfolio and logistics solutions.
Richard Wells, md of the Katopé Malet Azoulay business, said: “As we begin to explore the depth of the Univeg production base, it is clear that the tremendous scope and diversity of the Univeg group requires a more strategic approach.
“Univeg has more than 20,000 hectares of fruit, vegetable and salad production, situated in many different parts of the world. The majority of this sits outside the traditional Katopé Malet Azoulay portfolio. This production base is set to grow considerably over the next three to five years.”
He added that the name change is in order to capitalise on the recognition of the Univeg brand in important production areas globally, as well as markets throughout mainland Europe and to reinforce that brand in the UK. Wells said: “To this end, as of December 1, we are pleased to announce that Katopé Malet Azoulay will become Univeg Katopé (UK) Ltd.”
The new name represents the company’s continuing link to Katopé, as it will market all of Univeg’s tropical production under the Katopé brand, as well as embracing the new parent company.
Univeg’s geographical spread will give the new UK subsidiary access to Costa Rican pineapples, top fruit from Argentina and citrus from Uruguay, along with fruit from South Africa.
Director Alan Forrester said: “The business will sit alongside Univeg Katopé (UK), which will maintain its focus as a market leading, specialist unit in stonefruit, tropical fruits, avocados and premium dried fruits. Univeg Katopé (UK) is also recognised as one of the leading Fairtrade supply businesses for fruit other than bananas.”
No comments yet