The governing boards of Actel and Fruits de Ponent have decided to start the process to create a company that is shared between the two cooperative groups. Accordingly, a few months ago, they validated the preparation work.
The initiative is aimed at establishing the joint management of the business units for fruit, oil, almonds and energy management, as well as for all the services devoted to their members.
The decision to seek out this collaboration arises after a period of joint reflection by the two cooperatives, taking into account an external context marked by a high concentration in the agrifood value chain, as well as significant changes in the agricultural production caused by the climate emergency, all of which have been very pronounced during the latest campaigns. These factors, along with the goal of promoting the sustainable development of the business activity, set forth the challenge of offering members greater profitability from their farm holdings, by way of a more efficient transformation and marketing process of the agricultural produce, as well as exploring a larger dimension together in order to face up to the current high investment decisions.
Additionally, this strategic alliance is aimed at providing a comprehensive service to the entire social mass and to look for new business opportunities, particularly in areas such as energy, backup for work in the fields with personnel for the producing members, along with talent headhunting for the future organisation. The main cooperatives belonging to the two entities ensure that it is an initiative deep-rooted in the territory and in the service to society as a whole.
If the alliance is consolidated, the new joint company will manage over 100 thousand tonnes of fruit, reaching an annual invoicing that would exceed 160 million euros, added to the different areas of shared business.
The two cooperative groups have already established a work schedule aimed at the new entity being able to start its activity during the first half of 2024.
