US-based salad producer Taylor Farms has invested in Hessing, a Netherlands-based processor and distributor of fresh fruits and vegetables.

The companies did not disclose the financial terms of the deal.

Founded in 1968, Hessing supplies markets in Germany, Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands.

Its facilities include a fruit processing unit in Schwalmtal, Germany, as well as a vegetable production site in Greenport Venlo in the Netherlands.

With approximately 2,000 employees, Hessing supplies salads, meal kits and fresh fruit and vegetable options to supermarkets and restaurant chains across Europe.

Taylor Farms said the deal will enable Hessing to carry out its “strong growth strategy” with “innovative advancements”.

Despite this investment, Hessing will remain a family-owned business.

Hessing CEO Frank Hessing said: “In our rapidly changing market, innovation and automation are essential for growth. With the expertise of Taylor Farms, we can confidently build towards a healthy and sustainable future while expanding our reach. Together, we can better support our customers in their demand for healthy, fresh products.”

Headquartered in Salinas, California, family-owned Taylor Farms has facilities across the US, Canada, and Mexico.

Commenting on the latest partnership, Taylor Farms chairman and CEO Bruce Taylor said: “By combining our respective knowledge and expertise, we can accelerate the development of fresh food innovations and capitalise on new opportunities in Europe together.

“Our mutual commitment to innovation aligns with our goal of creating a positive impact across the entire supply chain."

In July last year, Taylor Farms acquired a stake in Spanish vegetable group Foodiverse.

In August this year, it emerged the company was in talks to take over Bonduelle’s salad operations in the country.

However, in October, Taylor Farms voluntarily recalled certain yellow onions supplied to fast-food chains in the US following a fatal E. coli O157:H7 outbreak.