The operation seeks to strengthen the scale and innovation capacity of both companies in a scenario marked by greater demands in sustainability, product availability, varietal development, new cultivation systems, automation, artificial intelligence and robotics.

By joining forces, Royal Berry and Dutch Berries hope to consolidate a more robust organization, better prepared to face the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Royal Berry's management extended special thanks to the founder of Dutch Berries, Gijsbert Krelingwhose trust, vision, and entrepreneurial spirit made the operation possible. After years of dedication and commitment, Dutch Berries has established itself as a leading company in the sector.

“We have enormous respect for what Gijsbert has built and we look forward to continuing to develop this solid foundation together,” he said. Jan van Genderen, CEO of Royal Berry.

© Tim van Etten | at10.nl

Management and organization

As part of the acquisition, Boudewijn van der Wal will join the Royal Berry management team, alongside CEO Jan van Genderen and COO Erik Gerichhausen. Van der Wal will continue to be actively involved with Dutch Berries, while Gijsbert Kreling will focus on other activities within the GK Group.

Trust and future

Royal Berry stated that the goal is to build, together with the Dutch Berries team, a solid organization where quality, innovation and sustainability take center stage.

© Royal Berry

“The acquisition marks the beginning of a new chapter, in which both teams will work together for the future growth and success of the organization,” the company said in a statement.

Following the operation, the joint organization will have 110 hectares of crops, of which 47 hectares will be equipped with LED lighting for year-round strawberry production.