Clarebout makes a foray outside the world of fries

It may not come as a surprise that both potato companies are seeking rapprochement. Both have a branch in Flanders and Wallonia. Pomuni in Perwijs (Perwez), between Brussels and Namur. Clarebout in Waasten (Warneton), southwest of Kortrijk. Both started as small family businesses and grew into an internationally operating company. Pomuni founder Jos Muyshondt started out as a vegetable trader in 1928. Since the 70s, the company has focused solely on potatoes and, after several takeovers, the name Pomuni was chosen in 2021.

No financial motive
According to a statement, the companies want to 'strengthen' each other in the future with the minority interest that Clarebout is taking in the company. What this actually means, is not elaborated on. According to the Belgian business newspaper De Tijd, there are no financial considerations. Pomuni's figures look fine. We know Clarebout's figures. In 2022, the turnover amounted to €1,1 billion and it also took over competitor Mydibel.

Clarebout, which is mainly known as one of the world's largest producers of frozen fries, will gain access to the market for fresh potato products and specialties in this way. Pomuni supplies fresh potatoes for the table market, salads or fresh fries, but also (frozen) mash. In addition, croquettes and rösti are also produced. For this purpose, it has its own factory in Ranst, near Antwerp, where it invested €2017 million in 16 for a renovation.

Pomuni claims to process 50.000 tons of potatoes annually and has around 1.000 hectares of potatoes that are grown for the company or that it grows itself, mainly in the Walloon part of Belgium.

Extension
In addition to the acquisition of Mydibel in 2022, owner Jan Clarebout has more interests in its own country. For example, in 2019 it became the main shareholder of machine manufacturer Dewulf. known that the company's directors have acquired a lot of agricultural land and agricultural businesses in recent years.