GERMANY - Acquisition is one such buzz word that immediately perks my ears—really, I’m sure anyone in the fresh biz gets excited to see that word both literally and figuratively cross their desk. Today, ANUK learned of Westfalia Fruit’s deal to acquire a controlling interest in Hausladen Fruchthandel, a fruit supplier in Germany, which will further solidify Westfalia’s European presence.

“Germany is the third largest retail avocado market in Europe, which has strong potential for further growth,” commented Westfalia Fruit CEO Alk Brand. “Our presence in this country is key to penetrating the market, supplying key customers, and solidifying our leading EU presence. It also provides an important platform for our key growers globally. We are excited to welcome Hausladen to our global family and recognise the considerable experience and standing of such a successful and respected operation.”

Operating in Germany since 1932, Hausladen has established a strong market presence in Germany and specializes in exotic fruits such as avocado, papaya, and pomegranate, as well as Southern European produce. According to a press release, the company is also active in the neighboring markets of Austria and Slovenia.

For Westfalia, this deal aligns with the overarching mission of the Westfalia Fruit Group, which is to retain and expand its position as a global avocado market leader and to create shareholder and other stakeholder value. This promises synergistic benefits across the Group’s integrated avocado value chain.

Hausladen’s founding family, which includes Andreas and Christoph Buchner, will remain in the business, with Christoph continuing as CEO of the German entity.

“Westfalia’s culture is a good fit for us, particularly with their focus on putting ‘family first’,” remarked Christoph Buchner. “As a leading exotics importer, ripener, packer, and distributor in Germany, we have developed a strong base of blue-chip retail customers and have enjoyed strong historic growth. This deal provides us with further growth opportunities to become the market leader in Germany and other targeted territories, and gives us access to an established and integrated supply chain with the capacity to expand.”

We will continue to note how this strengthens Westfalia’s position in the avocado market, so stay tuned.

Westfalia Fruit