Devos‑Wouters is a newly consolidated Belgian horticultural enterprise formed by the 2025 merger of two leading fruit-growing families: Devos Group and Wouters Fruit. Headquartered in Bekkevoort, in the heart of Flanders’ fertile Hageland region, the company is a grower-based exporter, packer, and trader specializing in premium apples, pears, and soft fruits. As of August 1, 2025, the merger strategically positions Devos‑Wouters among the top-tier fresh fruit exporters in Western Europe, offering high volumes, exclusive fruit varieties, and vertically integrated supply chains.
Core Business and Operations
Devos‑Wouters integrates farming, sorting, packing, storage, and global trade of fresh fruit—all managed under strict quality assurance systems. With direct control of over 400 hectares of orchards, the group ensures consistency in fruit quality, traceability, and supply chain reliability. It services retail, wholesale, and foodservice clients in over 25 international markets, with tailored packaging and logistics solutions.
Operations include:
- Advanced packhouses with automated grading lines
- ULO (Ultra Low Oxygen) cold storage facilities for year-round supply
- Dedicated export coordination via multilingual sales teams
- On-farm R&D for variety development and climate adaptation
Product and Service Offerings
Apples:
- Red Primo® – Devos’ exclusive red apple variety known for high brix, crisp texture, and long shelf life
- Gala – Early season premium apple
- Jonagold / Jonagored – Belgian staple, high sweetness with balanced acidity
- Golden Delicious – For European and North African export markets
Pears:
- Conference – Core variety for EU and UK retail shelves
- Comice – Traditional dessert pear with creamy texture
- Queen’s Forelle® – Premium speckled variety exclusive to the group
- QTee® – Early red-blushed pear harvested from mid-August
- Xenia® and PiqaBoo® – New generation club pears with targeted retail programs
Soft Fruits & Others (Seasonal):
- Strawberries, cherries, plums – From partner growers and regional programs
The company offers mixed pallet solutions, customized branding, and multilingual packaging options for supermarkets and distributors.
Specialisation and Core USP
- Grower-Owned Export Model: Ensures full vertical control from orchard to buyer
- Exclusive Club Varieties: Proprietary brands like Red Primo®, QTee®, and Queen’s Forelle® with marketing support
- BRCGS-Certified Packhouse: Compliance with European retail audit protocols
- Sustainable Farming Practices: Integrated pest management, bee-friendly orchards, and water conservation initiatives
- Client-Centric Export Programs: Direct-to-retail, co-branded fruit programs, and fixed supply contracts
Financial and Market Data
While privately held, the combined Devos‑Wouters operation significantly increases scale and efficiency:
- Annual Production: Over 25,000 tons of apples and 20,000 tons of pears
- Export Share: 85% of total production exported annually
- Top Markets:
- Western Europe: Germany, UK, France, Netherlands
- Eastern Europe: Poland, Czech Republic, Romania
- Middle East: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt
- Asia: India, Malaysia, Singapore (select markets)
Export and Shipment Insights
Devos‑Wouters handles year-round export logistics via sea freight, road transport, and reefer container shipments:
- Cold Chain: Pre-cooling, calibrated sorting, and packaging under controlled environments
- Documentation:
- Phytosanitary certificates
- Euro1 forms for preferential trade access
- GlobalGAP and GRASP documentation
- Shipment Volume: More than 1,500 refrigerated shipments annually
Target Market
- Retailers: Major EU and UK supermarkets (both branded and private-label programs)
- Wholesale Markets: Rungis (France), Birmingham Wholesale Market (UK), Warsaw
- Importers and Distributors: For Asia and MENA foodservice channels
- Club Program Partners: Licensing and marketing agreements for QTee®, PiqaBoo®, and Red Primo® with exclusive territorial rights
Capabilities and Infrastructure
- Packhouses: BRCGS-certified, fully automated optical sorting lines for size, color, and defect grading
- Storage: Over 20,000 tons ULO and dynamic atmosphere storage capacity
- Farm Network: Over 400 hectares of owned and managed orchards
- R&D Unit: Focused on climate resilience, varietal development, and organic trials
Certifications and Compliance
- GlobalG.A.P.
- GRASP
- BRCGS – Global Food Safety Standard
- SEDEX (Ethical Trade Auditing)
- Belgian Food Agency (FAVV) Approved
Compliance ensures smooth access to regulated markets including the UK, EU, Gulf states, and Asia.
Recognitions and Public Activity
- Featured in Eurofruit and FreshPlaza for its varietal innovation and strategic merger
- Flanders Agricultural Export Promotion (VLAM) partner
- Recognized by Belgian Ministry of Agriculture for contributions to sustainable horticulture
- Community Programs: Engages with local schools and sponsors regional agri-tech innovation grants
Strategic Vision
The formation of Devos‑Wouters creates a future-proof fruit export platform focused on scale, exclusivity, and global branding. The company aims to double its production by 2030 through orchard renewal, increase its share of club varieties, and grow its presence in non-EU markets with customized programs.
With deep-rooted farming heritage, cutting-edge infrastructure, and exclusive fruit offerings, Devos‑Wouters is redefining Belgium’s position in global fresh produce trade.