ROMANIA: Dole acquires Romanian distributor

By just-food.com | 12 June 2009

Dole will begin direct distribution of its fruit products in Romania with the acquisition of long-standing local partner Distrifrut.

Distrifrut has distributed Dole's branded products in Romania since the US fruit company entered the market in the early 1990s. The deal will see Dole take direct control of the company from its founder Fadi Nahas.

In what it described as a "milestone" acquisition, Dole will take a 25% share of the Romanian fruit market.

In a statement, the company said the move would allow it to "to provide top quality products and services to its European retail partners".

"Dole already supplies and advises them in most European countries through its expert ripening and distribution network. This operation enables the company to extend its scope of operation in the region," Dole said.

Dole Romania will operate from six different locations in the country: Bucharest, Constanta, Timisoara, Cluj, Iasi, and Bacau.

Sectors: Emerging markets, Fresh produce

Companies: Dole