Fruitful partnership: Plukon and Fresh Care Convenience join forces in vegetables and meal components

13 Jan 2020 --- Plukon Food Group and Staay Food Group have entered into a new agreement in principle for the acquisition of 51 percent of the shares of Fresh Care Convenience BV in Dronten (FCC) by Plukon. The Dutch firms are collaborating to take over the fruit and vegetable business. Plukon is primarily known as a major European player in the field of poultry but has also had a fresh meal factory in Wezep, the Netherlands, for 10 years.

The cooperation with FCC fits in with Plukon's ambition to further invest in knowledge of vegetable chains and vegetable processing, notes Plukon. From the sourcing of raw materials, existing logistics channels and available production capacity, the companies will further strengthen each others capabilities. 

Plukon also intends to acquire the remaining 49 percent of the shares within three years at the latest.

In addition, the quality assurance of vegetables and their processing can be brought to a higher level, the company says.

From the product and market combinations, both companies are very complementary. FCC has a strong position in the German retail market. The largest assortment consists of freshly cut vegetables, vegetable mixes and meal salads. Plukon has an intensive collaboration with a large Dutch retailer for convenient meal solutions such as steam meals, wok dishes and meal salads.

After the factory fire at Plukon in Wezep in March 2017, Staay Food Group helped Plukon to continue deliveries to customers. This has further improved the companies relationship.

The transaction will be submitted for approval to the relevant competition authorities and for advice to Plukon's Central Works Council.

Plukon Food Group is a leading player in innovative chicken and meal concepts in Europe. The Group has production sites across the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Poland and France. In total, more than 5,500 employees work in the group. Plukon's turnover is around €1.8 billion (US$2 billion).

FCC is a major player in the production and processing of fresh fruit and vegetables into mixes, meal components and meal salads. Its key markets are Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark. A total of 400 employees work at the production site in Dronten. FCC’s turnover is around €78 million (US$87 million). 

Edited by Gaynor Selby