Leading South African avocado exporter, Westfalia Fruit, has cemented its footprint in Europe by acquiring one of its longtime trading partners on the continent.
Syros, an established food processor and distributor headquartered in Belgium, supplies private-label and branded avo-based products such as guacamole, avocado oil and meal kits, and has been acquiring frozen avocados from Westfalia for many years.
Westfalia says in a statement, the integration with Syros “will enhance Westfalia's presence in the European market while maintaining the standards both organizations are known for”.
Hans Boyum, Westfalia’s commercial director for Africa, told Freight News that, although the merger would not lead to a sudden increase in export volumes from South Africa in the short term, additional opportunities could be expected in the long term.
“Westfalia Fruit, both in South Africa and the UK, has been producing guacamole and smashed avocado products successfully for many years.
“Syros is based in mainland Europe, with good logistical connections across the continent, and strengthens Westfalia’s presence and product range. We have ambitious plans for the future and a steady supply of good quality avocados is necessary to support those plans.”
According to Boyum, there is potential to increase Westfalia’s exports of frozen avocados from southern Africa on the back of its long-standing production of frozen avocado products, typically from lower-grade avocados.
“Syros has been a customer of our frozen avocado products and, through our joint focus, we hope to increase our exports of frozen avocado products from Southern Africa. It is important to note that, whilst Syros does not market whole avocados, internal fruit quality remains a priority for our avocados that are selected for processing.”
Westfalia, which operates in 17 countries across five continents, says in a statement that the Syros acquisition is “part of an ongoing strategy to expand the company's global presence while maintaining its commitment to agricultural practices and responsible corporate citizenship”.
Boyum said it was not anticipated that any significant additional investments in freight or logistics infrastructure would be necessary, as the locations of its operations in Europe “already have the benefit of local infrastructure and logistical connections”.
