April 27 2012 --- SVZ intends to buy Mondi Foods from SONO International. At the same time, SVZ announces the intention to end its production Etten-Leur, Netherlands. SVZ’s headquarters will remain in Etten-Leur.

The intended acquisition fits in SVZ´s strategy to strengthen its leading position in high quality fruit and vegetables purees, concentrates and colours. Mondi Foods is one of Europe's leading suppliers of red fruit ingredients to the food industry and has production locations in Rijkevorsel, Belgium and Karczmiska, Poland and a sales office in the UK.  Mondi Foods employs a staff of approximately 120.

The divestment of the activities of Mondi Foods fits Sono’s strategy to focus on tropical juices. 

Finalisation of the acquisition is expected before summer, but is subject to advice by the works council and approval from the German competition authorities.

The closure of the Etten-Leur site is linked directly to changing market conditions. Consumer demands shift to more healthy, more nutritious food, which is produced in safe and sustainable circumstances.These changing expectations affect food companies as well as growers who produce fruit and vegetables. SVZ provides a vital link between the two. To help food companies meet consumer demands,  SVZ wants to increase its emphasis on the relations with growers and at the same time reduce unnecessary costs in the supply chain. 

As a result SVZ will transfer production capacity to its production centres in Poland and Spain, and away from the Benelux.  For the production remaining in the Benelux, the smaller sized Rijkevorsel plant fits better with the future capacity needs. Therefore SVZ intends to close the production plant in Etten-Leur by mid 2013.

Approximately 70 jobs will be affected by the closure of the Etten-Leur site and the acquisition of Mondi Foods. The works councils and trade unions have been informed. An extensive social package will be offered to affected employees.

Both the acquisition and the closure of the Etten-Leur production site are claimed to fit in SVZ’s strategy to be “the partner of choice for world class food companies to meet changing consumer demands.”