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Westfalia Fruit, a fresh fruit supplier specialising in avocados, has signed an agreement to acquire a controlling stake in German fruit supplier Hausladen Fruchthandel.

With the acquisition, Westfalia aims to capitalise on the German retail avocado market and expand its position as a global avocado market leader. The South African company serves markets in the UK, Europe, Latin America, North America and southern Africa.

Founded in 1932, Hausladen supplies exotics such as avocado, mango and papaya, as well as southern European produce in Germany. Headquartered in Munich, the company is also active in neighbouring markets including Austria and Slovenia.

“Germany is the third largest retail avocado market in Europe which has strong potential for further growth,” said Westfalia Fruit CEO Alk Brand.

He added: “Our presence in this country is key to penetrating the market, supplying key customers and solidifying our leading EU presence. It also provides an important platform for our key growers globally.”

Hausladen’s founding family, including Andreas and Christoph Buchner, will remain with the business. Christoph Buchner, who will continue to serve as CEO of the German entity, said: “As a leading exotics importer, ripener, packer and distributor in Germany, we have developed a strong base of blue-chip retail customers and have enjoyed strong historic growth.

“This deal provides us with further growth opportunities to become the market leader in Germany and other targeted territories, and gives us access to an established and integrated supply chain with the capacity to expand.”

The deal, which was made for an undisclosed sum, is subject to merger control approval.