Agro Care and CombiVliet, two prominent names in the European tomato cultivation sector, have announced plans to merge, pending approval by the Consumer & Market Authority (ACM). This merger, which will operate under the established Agro Care brand, signifies a significant consolidation in the industry, bringing together a combined acreage of 500 hectares across their operations.
Both companies, deeply rooted in the Westland region of the Netherlands, are renowned for their advanced and extensive tomato-growing facilities. Agro Care, founded in 1997, has been actively expanding internationally, recently establishing operations in Tunisia and maintaining cultivation sites in Morocco and France. CombiVliet, with origins dating back to the 1950s, complements this growth strategy with its own presence in Brazil and additional locations in the Netherlands.
The decision to merge comes after years of strategic collaboration, including joint ventures in procurement, project management, and investments in various agricultural enterprises. The integration, effective from January 1, 2023, aims to leverage synergies in technology, sustainable practices, and operational efficiencies across their combined portfolio.
Kees van Veen, CEO of Agro Care, emphasizes that scalability is key to meeting market demands and sustainability goals. The merger aligns with their vision to enhance operational resilience and capitalize on economies of scale, essential for driving future growth in the competitive tomato market.
Roy van Vliet, Managing Director of CombiVliet, highlights the opportunities for expanded international presence, emphasizing benefits such as enhanced sustainability practices, local employment opportunities, and economic development. He underscores the growing consumer preference for locally grown produce, a trend that both companies are keen to support through their combined efforts.
Upon completion of the merger, Kees van Veen will serve as CEO overseeing all international operations, while Roy van Vliet will lead the Netherlands division. The integration aims to streamline operations, consolidate administrative functions, and foster a collaborative environment conducive to innovation and growth.
Pending ACM approval, the merger represents a strategic move towards consolidating leadership in the European tomato market under the Agro Care brand. This transition will gradually phase out the CombiVliet name while maintaining continuity in supply chains and operational excellence.
