Fresh produce company Univeg is planning to bring all of its various market- and production-based operations closer together as it seeks to build on a series of recent acquisitions and develop its existing markets.
Speaking exclusively to Eurofruit Magazine this month, the company’s senior management revealed their primary goal during the next five years would be to encourage closer links between Univeg’s supply sources and its various markets.
“Our organisation will be country-based from now on, so for example the person responsible for the UK will be the person who speaks to the British retailers,” explained Francis Kint, who as the group’s newly installed chief executive for fresh produce will be leading the integration process.
In Germany, where former Chiquita executive Mr Kint continues to head up Univeg Deutschland, the company now has one management team consisting of ex-Bocchi and ex-Atlanta staff. The major challenge will be to refine supply arrangements in Germany itself and replicate that model in other countries where the group is currently active.
“Our ambition first and foremost is to further develop our existing markets,” said Hein Deprez, who late last week announced he was moving from his role as chief executive officer of the Univeg Group to take up the twin roles of chairman of the board of directors and chairman of the strategic committee, focusing on strategic development and core customer relationships.
Mr Deprez will work in close cooperation with Rudi de Becker, who is succeeding him as Univeg CEO having already held a position on the group’s board of directors.
“We are still only really present in a few markets and in some of those like France and the UK I think we can develop a lot more,” continued Mr Deprez. However, the company’s continued, market-driven expansion will not be confined to Europe.
“By having a presence in certain areas of the world outside Europe, Univeg will also look to develop these markets in the coming years,” Mr Deprez added. “For example, the South American markets and also North America could be very interesting in the next few years.”
The full interview with Hein Deprez and Francis Kint is published in the October 2009 issue of Eurofruit Magazine. For details of how to subscribe, please contact subscriptions@fruitnet.com
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