Westfalia Fruit
The multinational Westfalia Fruit Group is a leading supplier of fresh and processed produce to international markets, offering a diverse range of quality fruit and related products via its vertically integrated supply chain. Founded 75 years ago on guiding environmental, social, governance & sustainability principles. These practices, premised on the legacy of Dr Hans Merensky are at the heart of all that is done by the Group – “To Do Good”, – of which continue to underpin our approach today. Today, operating in 17 countries spread over 5 continents, the Westfalia Fruit Group prides itself on advancing sustainable agricultural practices and being a responsible corporate citizen within the communities in which it operates.
As a frontrunner in the avocado industry, Westfalia grows, sources, ripens, packs, processes, and markets accredited avocados across the globe throughout the year. Value-added products include avocado oil, low-preservative guacamole, frozen avocado, and dried fruit.
Westfalia grows fruit in all major origins in the Americas and Africa and sources from partner orchards, giving the Group the most diverse avocado-growing footprint in the world. Westfalia’s dynamic and integrated supply chain from research to the consumer benefits all stakeholders. The Group’s research division, Westfalia Technological Services, is the world’s largest privately funded subtropical fruit research unit. Its dedicated team of scientists and technicians focus on varietal development, innovation, and environmental matters, and provides a pivotal role in defining the future of the global avocado industry.
A supplier of choice to retail, wholesale, and food-service customers, Westfalia operates sales offices in the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America, southern Africa, and Asia. Fruit is packed in diverse formats and expertly ripened to deliver optimal eating quality. For more information visit www.westfaliafruit.com.
Westfalia Fruit11 Feb 2025
Westfalia Fruit introduces sustainable dye extraction from avocado byproducts
Westfalia Fruit, a global leader in the avocado industry is committed to utilizing all parts of the avocado across the supply chain. Avocados imported for retail, food service, and wholesale customers are carefully inspected. Any unsuitable avocados are processed at Westfalia’s facility into products like avocado pulp, smashed avocado, guacamole, and more. The avocado skins and seeds from the process, which were previously typically used in low-value applications such as anaerobic digesters, are now finding new, innovative, higher value alternative uses.
5 Feb 2025
Westfalia FRUIT LOGISTICA 2025 Press Kit
At FRUIT LOGISTICA 2025 in Berlin, Westfalia Fruit Group will present insights into its commitment to sustainable innovations and social growth through technologies such as natural avocado dyes and community-oriented programs in Chile.
23 Jan 2025
Avocado Innovation Meets Community Impact: Westfalia Fruit’s Focus at Fruit Logistica 2025
Westfalia Fruit, a global leader in the avocado industry, will showcase its commitment to sustainable innovations and social growth through technologies such as natural avocado dyes and community-oriented programmes in Chile. Taking place between 5-7 February 2025, the event provides an ideal platform for Westfalia to present these innovations.
21 Jan 2025
Aldo Empirico appointed as new leader for Westfalia Fruit Germany
Westfalia Fruit is pleased to announce that Aldo Empirico has been appointed as leader of Westfalia Fruit Germany as of January 1st, 2025. Aldo, who has been with the business for 22 years has served as Managing Director for Westfalia Fruit Germany since 2020, together with Christoph Buchner, who has decided to leave the business as of December 31st 2024. Aldo will now lead the company’s operations and commercial activities in the country, building on the strong foundation established during his tenure.
6 Jan 2025
Westfalia Fruit acquires Belgian avocado products company Syros
Westfalia Fruit, a global leader in the avocado industry, has completed the acquisition of Syros, a Belgian-based manufacturer of avocado products serving the European food and service industry as well as retail sectors.
26 Nov 2024
Exciting Initiative from Westfalia Fruit in The Netherlands: Driving Sustainability and Innovation with Tattooed Mangos
Westfalia Fruit, a leading multinational supplier of avocados and a range of fresh vegetables and fruit, is proud to announce the launch of laser etching on mangoes. Driven by its Netherlands-based operations, this initiative eliminates the need for individual plastic PLU stickers. After extensive testing and trials, the uniquely lasered mangoes have been introduced to customers in Europe.
8 Nov 2024
Westfalia Fruit's digital storytelling recognised with two Lovie Awards
Westfalia Fruit, a leading multinational supplier of avocados and other fruits, has been awarded two Lovie Awards for its innovative "Our Story" webpage.
28 Oct 2024
Westfalia Fruit Showcased Sustainable Avocado-Based Paper and Packaging Innovation at Fruit Attraction 2024
Westfalia Fruit, a leading multinational supplier of avocados and other fruits, is committed to utilizing all parts of the avocado across the supply chain. As an example, they’ve developed a proof of concept for paper made from 25-30% avocado waste, demonstrating their efforts to minimize waste and maximize resource utilization.
25 Oct 2024
Westfalia Fruit celebrates first Hass avocado shipment to India
Westfalia Fruit, a leading multinational supplier of avocados and a range of fresh fruit, is proud to announce the arrival of its first-ever container of South African Hass avocados in India, which arrived on Tuesday, 22nd October 2024. This milestone marks a significant achievement in the company’s export efforts and the broader South African avocado industry.
21 Oct 2024
Westfalia Fruit appoints Chris Bush as Group CEO
The Board of Hans Merensky Holdings (HMH) and Westfalia Fruit Group (Westfalia) announced today the appointment of Chris Bush to the post of Group CEO, effective 28 October, 2024. Mr Bush will take over from Acting Group CEO Rian du Toit who returns to his role as Group CFO.
10 Oct 2024
Westfalia Fruit and Neolithics set new standards for reducing food loss & enhancing freshness
Westfalia Fruit, a leading multinational supplier of avocados known for its innovative approach, is proud to announce a new partnership with Neolithics.
10 Oct 2024
Westfalia Fruit Celebrates Historic First Shipment of Avocados from South Africa to China
Westfalia Fruit, a leading multinational supplier of avocados and fresh fruit, is proud to announce its inaugural shipment of avocados from South Africa to China. This milestone marks a significant expansion of the company’s global footprint and underscores its commitment to quality and sustainability in the avocado industry. This achievement not only strengthens Westfalia Fruit’s presence in one of the world’s largest economies but also underscores their broader strategy of entering high-potential markets across the globe, such as the successful entrance into India a few years ago. It represents a major step forward in Westfalia’s global expansion and is a landmark achievement for the South African avocado sector.