The ACM has authorized the acquisition of two large Hedel business units of the de Groot fresh group by EDEKA. De Groot international and de Groot fresh ripening have thus definitely passed into the hands of the German retailer. All employees of the two companies have been taken over.
The two divisions of the 94-year-old family business de Groot fresh group are located in Hedel. A long-term lease agreement was concluded with EDEKA Einkaufskontor GmbH for the use of the previous site on the A2 motorway.
Common goals for the development of the retail market
The successful international and retail-orientated units will now be integrated into the EDEKA Group, which has been represented on the Dutch market for some time with Everest Fresh. The acquisition combines the strengths of de Groot international and de Groot fresh ripening with those of Everest Fresh. Consumers can therefore be offered the best fruit and vegetable assortment at the best price and service.
De Groot fresh group
The De Groot fresh group will continue in a streamlined form with Ben and William de Groot as owners. The group will then consist of: de Groot fresh transport, de Groot fruit & vegetables, and de Groot UK. A good partnership between these companies and the EDEKA Group has been agreed for the future. From the branch in Breda, the de Groot fresh group will continue to focus on a broader specialty range for wholesale, food service, cash & carry and retail.
Everest Fresh fruit and vegetables
Ben de Groot says goodbye to his colleagues and the Hedel site with a heavy heart, but is delighted with the takeover. He has taken this decision because he believes that the shared long-term objectives are a good fit. At the same time, he is handing over the business units to Andries van den Bogert with great confidence in his ultimate responsibility. Andries van den Bogert will continue to lead the organization together with the current management team. The name of the organization will be changed to "Everest Fresh Groenten en Fruit".
For more information:
De Groot fresh group
Tel: +31 (0) 765 307 006
www.degrootfreshgroup.com