Dutch investment firm Egeria has bought a majority stake in Den Berk Délice, a Belgium-based tomato supplier.
The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
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In a statement, Egeria said the investment will support Den Berk Délice in realising its “next growth phase” and “marks a significant milestone in Den Berk Délice’s strategy to expand its European presence and to further strengthen its position in the specialty tomato segment”.
The investor, which is focused on mid-sized companies in Europe and the US, acquired the majority stake from Den Berk Délice’s shareholders, who will “retain a substantial interest” in the company.
Founded in 2014 by Luc Beirinckx, Koen Lauwerysen, Paul Van de Mierop, and Hans van Gool, Den Berk Délice supplies tomatoes in northern and western Europe.
It is affiliated with Coöperatie Hoogstraten, which markets and sells its products.
The business operates eight greenhouses, covering 80 hectares, with cultivation methods that include LED lighting and e-boilers.
The group has a turnover of approximately €150m ($155.4m) and employs 900 people, including seasonal workers.
Its produce varieties include Kumato, Yoom Délice and Miss Perfect cherry tomatoes.
In December, Den Berk Délice opened its first international cultivation site in Agadir in Morocco, a move made to meet year-round demand and better serve its European retail customers.
“This step enables us to produce delicious, flavourful tomatoes even during the winter months, further strengthening our position as a reliable partner for the retail market,” the company said at the time.
The new site specialises in baby plum tomatoes.
Specifically, the investment with Egeria could see further “strategic acquisitions”, the statement announcing the deal read.
Egeria’s portfolio includes Meyer Menü, a German provider of a meals-on-wheels service to workplaces, schools and daycare facilities.
