History - greenyard.group
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History
Greenyard was established in 1983 by Hein Deprez and has since grown into one of the largest suppliers of fruit & vegetables in the world. Today, the company is still a family-owned business that is publicly traded and listed on Euronext Brussels. This combination ensures stability and a long-term vision for the future.

1983

Hein Deprez starts a mushroom farm in Belsele.

1987

Hein Deprez establishes UNIVEG.

1996

UNIVEG becomes active outside Belgium.

2005

Veerle Deprez buys 33 % share in frozen vegetable producer Pinguin, a publicly traded company.

2005

UNIVEG acquires its Dutch competitor Bakker Barendrecht, with a turnover of 450 million euro. UNIVEG doubles its turnover.

2006

UNIVEG acquires the Italian company Bocchi, with a turnover of 900 million euro.

2006

Hein Deprez incorporates his potting soil activities into the PeatInvest holding.

2007

The Deprez family now has the majority at Pinguin, which acquires Lutosa, a potato processing company.

2008

Following a new acquisition, UNIVEG now reaches a turnover of 3 billion euro.

2011

Via PinguinLutosa, Hein Deprez acquires Scana Noliko, a Belgian producer of preserved vegetables. He becomes CEO of PinguinLutosa, with a turnover of 750 million euro.

2011

Deprez removes his plantations in South America, South Africa and Turkey from UNIVEG and makes them independent.

2014

Deprez increases his share in PinguinLutosa to 42%. It is now called Greenyard Foods.

2015

Hein Deprez merges UNIVEG , Greenyard Foods and PeatInvest into Greenyard, a unique leader in fruit and vegetables.

2016

With a total workforce of 9,000 people in 27 countries across the world, Greenyard realizes a combined turnover of more than € 4 billion.

2018

Greenyard sells its Horticulture segment to Straco.

2019

Hein Deprez and Marc Zwaaneveld jointly share the role of CEO.

2023

Greenyard celebrates its 40th anniversary.

2024

Francis Kint appointed CEO of Greenyard.
About us
Greenyard is a global market leader in fresh, frozen and prepared produce: fruits and vegetables, flowers and plants. We provide efficient and sustainable solutions to customers and suppliers through best-in-class products, market-leading innovation, and outstanding service. In doing so, we help enable a healthier future.