BelOrta and Belgische Fruitveiling (BFV) embark on collaboration and integration

Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Sint-Truiden, 24 February 2022 – Yesterday, Wednesday, 23 February, the Executive Boards of both BelOrta and BFV approved a declaration of intent aimed at more intense collaboration and integration.

The first exploratory discussions took place in the course of 2021. These have intensified in recent months and yesterday an official declaration of intent was issued. The two Belgian cooperatives are joining forces to achieve even more impact and cost efficiency. An evolution which could benefit both the growers (optimal market price) and customers (excellent service).

‘Signing this declaration of intent is an important milestone. By doing so, we are strengthening our position as the leading supplier of local and sustainably grown fruit and vegetables. For both the domestic market and for over 70 export markets worldwide. Together, we have over 1,400 active growers-ambassadors, distributed all over Belgium as well as the border region with the Netherlands. Working together allows us to better implement our core philosophy - of, for and by growers,’ say Philippe Appeltans (Director BelOrta) and Marc Grauwels (Managing Director BFV).

Ludo Lousbergh (Chair BFV) and Dirk Bertels (Chair BelOrta) add: ‘Our products are facing enormous challenges in terms of profitability, cost control, sustainability, innovation and digitalisation. From our discussions, we soon discovered that we share the same long-term vision and have many similarities with respect to corporate culture and values. These similarities strengthen our conviction that we can move towards a more intensive cooperation. An important step for the further development of the Belgian fruit sector.’

The next phase of the discussions will focus on concrete initiatives which emerge from the signing of the declaration of intent. More information will be made available once all the specific details have been discussed.

BelOrta

BelOrta (with operational sites in Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Borgloon and Zellik) is a Belgian cooperative of, for and by over 950 local fruit and vegetable growers. Together, they supply a range of over 170 fruit, vegetable and herb varieties - all locally grown and full of flavour. In 2021, BelOrta achieved a record product turnover of 497 million euros.

Belgische Fruitveiling

Belgische Fruitveiling (with operational sites in Sint-Truiden, Glabbeek and Vrasene) is a Belgian cooperative of, for and by over 470 local fruit and vegetable growers. Together, they supply an extensive and tasty range of locally grown hard and soft fruits every year. In 2021, BFV achieved a product turnover of 95 million euros.