Colruyt N : Solucious acquires Valfrais, a major food service player in the south of Belgium

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

Solucious, Colruyt Group's food service specialist, has acquired 100% of the shares of Valfrais, a family-owned business in Bastogne. The Valfrais product range as well as its customer base and operating area complement those of Solucious. With this investment, Solucious is committed to further growth and sharing food service expertise in a market that is consolidating in full force.

Valfrais: a major regional food service player specialising in ultra-fresh

Valfrais is a major regional food service player based in Bastogne, supplying professional customers in Wallonia, Brussels, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and northern France. Those customers are mainly active in the hospitality sector, so the Valfrais range includes fresh, ultra-fresh, and frozen foods. The company has developed expertise in ultra-fresh, specifically in meat through Wama Beef. The two companies will continue to work together.

Complementarity with Solucious, Colruyt Group's food service specialist

The services provided by Valfrais complement those of Solucious, Colruyt Group's food service specialist. Solucious supplies food service and retail products to professional customers (hospitals, SMEs, hospitality businesses, etc.) and distinguishes itself through convenience, reliable deliveries, and transparent pricing.

The acquisition of Valfrais enables Solucious to sustain its growth in a consolidating market. Both companies' product ranges, customer bases, and operating areas are complementary. Valfrais' experience in ultra-fresh is an aspect that Solucious wants to develop. Moreover, the values of both companies also align. The Valfrais team will remain on board.

Specifically, Valfrais will gradually be integrated into the Solucious operations and will continue to exist as a brand. Some minor changes will occur and relate to the adjustment and expansion of the product range. The new online ordering platform, currently in transition, will be ready for use as from 8 January. The Valfrais customers will not notice any changes in the way it works.

Philippe Hermans, Operational Director at Valfrais: "We are very happy to join a solid partner in the food service sector with Solucious. And in addition, to be part of a company like Colruyt Group. Together, we can optimise our range of services in all areas based on our own areas of expertise. This does not mean the end of Valfrais, but rather, the beginning of a new chapter."

Johan Vermeire, General Manager B2B Food Retail Colruyt Group: "We are delighted with the addition of Valfrais to Solucious. This allows us to grow in a fast but controlled way in a rapidly changing market. The geographic location will help us improve our efficiency and reach new markets as we develop our ranges."