BelOrta and the Belgian Fruit Auction (BFV) finalize a legal agreement aimed at creating a strong cooperative fruit sector

After the approval of an intention agreement at the beginning of last year, work continued throughout 2022 to further concretize it so that, just before the New Year, a final step was taken to sign a legal agreement. Here, BelOrta and BFV were supported by external experts in legal, financial, fiscal, and HR aspects. An extensive and ambitious multi-year financial plan was also developed.

As previously communicated, the activities are being brought together under BelOrta, while maintaining and respecting the expanded activities of BFV in the main production regions and market segments. All farmers affiliated with BFV can participate in this unique project to strengthen the cooperative fruit sector. Throughout February, information meetings and contact moments will be organized for the involved farmers and partners, providing them with explanations on how they can join BelOrta with guarantees for the preservation and repayment of the partner capital built up in BFV, as well as information on commercial ambitions and extensive services they can rely on in the future.

All employees of BFV and its subsidiaries are guaranteed to continue applying their expertise for the benefit of the integrated cooperative. Further information about this will also be provided in the coming period.

The goal is to be fully operational by no later than July 1, 2023. It is expected that discussions with the competent competition authorities will result in final approval of this unique and future-oriented project by then.

"BelOrta and BFV, as cooperatives, in these economically turbulent times, accept their responsibility and will, through this pooling of forces, serve their members of fruit growers even better every day. Moreover, the integration will benefit all our customers through an increased level of service," said Ludo Lousbergh (Chairman of BFV) and Dirk Bertels (Chairman of BelOrta).

Philippe Appeltans (Director of BelOrta) and Marc Grauwels (General Director of BFV) further add, "This strengthens our position as the leading provider of locally and sustainably grown fruit and vegetables. Both for the domestic market and for more than 70 export markets worldwide. After the integration, we dare to look ahead positively with our 1300 active producers. We are convinced that collaboration pays off and that everyone in the chain—from the field or orchard or greenhouse to the table or fruit basket—reaps the benefits. From the unified cooperative, all our proud growers will continue to dedicate themselves daily to providing the tastiest, highest quality vegetables and the juiciest fruit. Locally grown, fresh, flavorful, and surprisingly enjoyable for everyone at the table."

BelOrta

BelOrta (with operational branches in Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Borgloon, and Zellik) is a Belgian cooperative of, for, and by over 900 local vegetable and fruit growers. Together, they annually provide a range of more than 170 varieties of vegetables, fruits, and herbs – always locally grown and full of flavor. In 2022, BelOrta achieved a record product turnover of 507 million euros.

Belgian Fruit Auction

Belgian Fruit Auction (with operational branches in Sint-Truiden, Glabbeek, Zoutleeuw, and Vrasene) is a Belgian cooperative of, for, and by over 430 local fruit growers. Together, they annually provide an extensive and flavorful assortment of locally grown hard and soft fruits. In 2022, BFV achieved a product turnover of 90 million euros.