Potato processor McCain has sold potato specialist company CelaVita in Wezep, Gelderland, to investment company Nimbus. This company was in the news more than six months ago when it took over the Cuijk branch from Aviko. The investor thus adds a third potato company to its portfolio.
Since 2012, the Canadian multinational McCain has been the owner of CelaVita, which has been supplying chilled potato products in the Netherlands for 55 years. The company started packaging potatoes in 1967 and started processing new potatoes in 1972. Both – via retail – directly to consumers as well as to industry and food service customers. According to McCain, their European growth strategy does not focus on chilled potatoes, which is why it has been decided to divest this branch.
Continue strategy
"We hope to continue the successful course of the last two years under the wings of Nimbus," says CelaVita director Henk Dollekamp. The takeover has no direct consequences for growers. McCain will continue to purchase and supply potatoes for CelaVita for the coming harvest year.
Third potato company
Through these acquisitions, Nimbus has suddenly become a major player in chilled potatoes. In September it was announced that Nimbus had acquired Aviko's branch in Cuijk, North Brabant took over. This will now continue under the name Frespo.