Merger of two of Netherlands’ leading berry companies set to create 110ha production operation at start of 2027
Source: Royal Berry
Two of the Netherlands’ leading berry suppliers are to merge at the start of 2027, after Royal Berry announced it would acquire strawberry company Dutch Berries.
The deal will see Boudewijn van der Wal, financial director of Dutch Berries’ parent company GK Group, join the Royal Berry management team alongside CEO Jan van Genderen and COO Erik Gerichhausen, while remaining “actively involved” with Dutch Berries.
However, it is understood that Gijbert Kreling, founder and owner of Dutch Berries, will focus on other activities within the GK Group.
In a statement, Royal Berry said the acquisition represented an “important step” as it sought to maintain a “robust and future-proof” organisation.
“Developments in sustainability, variety selection and availability, innovative cultivation concepts, automation, artificial intelligence and robotics require scale and innovative strength,” it said.
“By combining the capabilities of Royal Berry and Dutch Berries, a strong organisation will be created that is ready for both the challenges and opportunities of the future.”
Royal Berry’s management also expressed their great appreciation for Gijbert Kreling, whose trust and entrepreneurship they said had made the deal possible.
“We have tremendous respect for what Gijbert has built, and we look forward to continuing to develop this strong foundation together,” said Jan van Genderen.
Following the acquisition, the combined organisation will have 110ha of production area, of which 47ha are equipped with LED lighting for year-round strawberry production.
