Sligro Food Group and Greenyard start close partnership for potatoes and fresh fruits and vegetables

Strengthening a wide supply of fresh fruits and vegetables

Greenyard Fresh Belgium becomes supplier of potatoes, unprocessed fruits and vegetables and sliced vegetables for all Sligro, Sligro-M and JAVA operations in Belgium. With this new agreement, Sligro Food Group is taking an important step in further strengthening its position as a leading wholesaler in the Belgian catering market.

With Greenyard, the company resolutely opts for high-quality, sustainable and, as far as possible, locally grown products, with a strong preference for short supply chains. Greenyard thus unburdens Sligro around the complex chain of this crucial category of fresh fruit and vegetables, securing both purchase and delivery all the way to the point of sale. The partnership accounts for more than 5.1 million items annually, including Belgian-sourced apples and pears, as well as lettuce, chicory and strawberries supplied through Belgian growers.

Koen Slippens, CEO of Sligro Food Group, explains the choice of the new partner: "We want to respond to the needs of Belgian catering professionals and offer them the best possible assortment. The partnership with Greenyard fits perfectly within that strategy. Because of its scale and strong Belgian anchoring, Greenyard can closely follow the market. This allows us to contribute to our customers paying correct and market-based prices. Moreover, Greenyard has its own companies on all continents, allowing it to buy directly from producers worldwide. This also assures us constant product quality. For our customers, this new partnership means a shorter supply chain and thus more freshness, a wide range that always reflects current market prices and a maximum focus on local products where relevant."

Francis Kint, CEO of Greenyard, adds: "We are excited about this partnership with Sligro Food Group, which perfectly aligns with our vision of integrated partnerships and customer relationships, what we call Integrated Customers Relations (ICR). This partnership is a perfect match between two companies with a shared passion for quality, sustainability and an efficient supply chain. We deliver a comprehensive fresh assortment and reach even more hospitality professionals thanks to this agreement. This is a long-term, transparent and vertically integrated partnership in fresh fruits and vegetables. It highlights Greenyards commitment to implement customized partnership models and work with all our customers in a sustainable way. Our focus is on unburdening our customers, and that in every fruit and vegetable category, so they can fully focus on maximum service for their end customers."