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Katopé Malet Azoulay – Name Change10th December 2008Univeg Katopé (UK) LtdIt is just over six months since Univeg, one of the largest Global produce companies, based in Belgium, acquired the shareholding of the Katopé International Group. During that time, the Directors of the UK based business (Katopé Malet Azoulay) have been investigating the diverse opportunities that the integration of the two businesses could offer to their customer base. Univeg has the potential to deliver an expanded portfolio of both products and logistics solutions. Richard Wells, MD of the Katopé Malet Azoulay business, made comment “As we begin to explore the depth of the Univeg production base, it is clear that the tremendous scope and diversity of the Univeg group requires a more strategic approach”. “Univeg has over 20,000ha of fruit, vegetable & salad production, situated in many different parts of the world. The majority of this sits outside the traditional Katopé Malet Azoulay portfolio. This production base is set to grow considerably over the next 3 – 5 years”. Wells went on to add, “…given the evolving nature of our business, it is felt that the best way to capitalise on the recognition and high regard that the Univeg brand holds in key production zones, globally, as well as markets throughout mainland Europe, it would be advantageous to reinforce the Univeg brand here in the UK. To this end, as from the 1st of December this year, we are pleased to announce that Katopé Malet Azoulay will become – Univeg Katopé (UK) Ltd”. Wells continued “the new name suitably represents our continuing link to Katopé,(reflecting the on-going decision to market all of the Univeg Tropical production under the Katopé brand) whilst embracing our new parent company” 2009 sees the introduction of new Univeg sources, Argentina and Uruguay, as well as expanded supplies from South Africa and Peru. These developments enhance the complimentary nature of the Univeg production but at the same time, reflect Univeg’s further commitment to the existing Katopé production sites. Being part of the Univeg Group brings a number of new and exciting opportunities. As a direct result, Alan Forrester, Director responsible for Univeg Direct, commented, “we are delighted to be able to announce the launch of Univeg Direct (UK) Limited. Univeg Direct will be established as an independent subsidiary designed to “facilitate” the flow of product, produced by the Univeg Group, through the retail sector here in the UK. The business will sit alongside Univeg Katopé (UK) that will maintain its focus as a market leading, specialist unit in stonefruit, tropical fruits, avocados and premium dried fruits. Univeg Katopé (UK) is also recognised as one of the leading Fairtrade supply businesses for fruit other than bananas”. With privileged access to Univeg’s geographically spread production around the world and the opportunities to tap into the Univeg’s logistical platforms in different countries (including Central and Eastern Europe, South America, South Africa and Eastern U.S.A) Univeg Direct (UK) Ltd is ideally positioned to offer a tailored, vertically integrated, business approach to meet the challenges of the UK market place in 2009 and beyond. Forrester said “…. with global recession strengthening and increased costs of living, consumers have less disposable income available. Traditional supply methods are relatively convoluted and costly. Univeg Direct’s goal will be to challenge all traditional elements of the supply chain, resulting in improved cost benefits to our customers”. Forrester also added that “We are looking to achieve this across fruit, vegetables, flowers & plants and ready meals, whilst reducing all associated environmental elements through the supply chain”. Michael Joyles has joined Univeg Direct and will be responsible for overseeing the company’s commercial and logistical activities. Joyles brings a wealth of knowledge across a broad spectrum of areas, after spending 20 years in the industry. Joyles commented “This is an exciting development. 2009 will be a challenging year to be in the fresh produce business. Change is both inevitable and healthy to ensure we survive in today’s demanding environment. Univeg Direct will be at the forefront of this change, being both innovative and forward thinking.” For more information call Richard Wells on 01775 711565 |
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