July 8, 2025 – After a brief period of constructive discussions between the two family businesses, “Van Aarle” and “de Groot,” the management of Van Aarle has decided to transfer 100% of it’s shares to the de Groot fresh group.
Marjon van Aarle: “For our family, it was a very emotional decision to transfer the nearly 60-year-old family business. However, we know that this scaling-up is essential for the continuity of the company. We are therefore very proud and happy with this step.”
A little over a year ago, de Groot sold it’s international retail division to EDEKA. Since this time de Groot fresh group has a renewed growth strategy.
With the acquisition of Van Aarle, de Groot is following this strategy and making it’s first move to realize scaling-up plans in the wholesale fruit and vegetable (AGF) sector. The fact that the opportunity has arisen to achieve this first phase with a purely Brabant family business with a “similar culture” is, of course, a wonderful bonus.
Van Aarle sees de Groot as an ambitious, stable partner with whom it can expand its delivery model towards foodservice, retail, and other markets in the country. Both companies will retain their own identity and function.
The business in Breda has been growing faster than the building can accommodate, and having the facility in Schijndel will significantly help optimize operations. In the beginning, further cooperation will focus primarily on combining central services and achieving the necessary efficiency in the fruit and vegetable supply chain.
Ben de Groot: “Availability of high-quality and delicious vegetables and fruits is no longer a given due to the extremely increased costs and demands in the supply chain. Supply chain cooperation and scale are more important than ever to allow consumers to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables daily.”
The final responsibility for the Van Aarle business will lie with Andries van den Bogert, who will manage the companies within the de Groot fresh group. He is looking forward to working with the excellent team in Schijndel who are ready for this collaboration.
For inquiries, you can contact him via email at andries@degrootfreshgroup.com – www.degrootfreshgroup.com
About Van Aarle: Since 1967, Van Aarle has been a Brabant family business delivering a wide range of specialized products, including potatoes, vegetables, and fruit, to many customers across various sectors. This product range is complemented by a broad array of additional products and services to serve customers as specifically as possible. The company is based in Schijndel and employs over 140 people.
About de Groot fresh group: Founded in 1930, de Groot fresh group has grown into a leading international family business in the fruit and vegetable industry. Approximately 80 employees import, market, ripen, and distribute a specialized range of vegetables and fruits daily through de Groot fruit & vegetables in Breda, de Groot fresh transport in Hedel, de Groot fresh group in Kerkdriel, and de Groot fresh produce in Sevenoaks, UK.
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