French apple exporter AFD-Dipra has announced it will merge with major French apple supplier Cardell on 1 August. The new entity will operate under the name Cardell Export.
The move follows family-run Cardell's acquisition by the Pomanjou Group three years ago.
Cardell, a former shareholder in AFD-Dipra, markets around 50,000 tonnes of apples a year in France and Europe, and is credited with pioneering Pink Lady production in Europe.
AFD-Dipra is the overseas export branch of the Loire-based Pomanjou group, France’s number one apple supplier.
'Cardell Export and AFD-Dipra have enjoyed links for over 20 years,' AFD-Dipra's Daniel Corbel (pictured right) explains. 'Each company worked in different sectors, Cardell Export on the French and European market, and AFD-Dipra exporting essentially overseas. After Cardell's acquisition, it made sense to bring the two companies together under one roof and under one name – Cardell Export.'
Staff from the two firms have been invited to relocate to new purpose-built premises in Avignon, south-east France, in August. Personnel are expected to keep their current posts, according to Mr Corbel.
'We believe this initiative will give a fresh boost to the business,' he says.
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