Plukon and Fresh Care Convenience join forces

Plukon Food Group and Staay Food Group announced on Friday 10 January that they had concluded an agreement in principle for the acquisition by Plukon of 51% of the shares of Fresh Care Convenience B.V. in Dronten (FCC).

Plukon is primarily known as a major European player in the poultry sector but has also had a fresh meals factory in Wezep in its ranks for the past 10 years. The cooperation with the FCC fits Plukon's ambition to invest further in knowledge of vegetable chains and vegetable processing.

From the sourcing of raw materials, existing logistics channels and available production capacity, the companies will further strengthen each other. In addition, the intended cooperation will enable the quality assurance of vegetables and their processing to be raised to a higher level.

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

Following the factory fire at Plukon in Wezep in March 2017, Staay Food Group helped Plukon to continue supplying customers. This further improved the good relationship that existed at the time. Both companies recognise themselves in having a positive drive and entrepreneurship. This is the basis on which the partnership will be further developed, with the intention that Plukon will acquire the remaining 49% of the shares within three years at the latest.

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