Devos increases its production and export capacities by 50%

A new bicolour pear variety called “Queens Forelle” is starting to be produced by the family company, as part of their strategy to set themselves apart and create new product niches. 
With direct exports that started 5 years ago, the Devos group continues to increase its comprehensive production, storage and packing capacities. The total operational volume for 2012 included over 10,000 tons of its own produce and 20,000 of exports. Conference pears are the top export product, with over 15,000 tons, up from 12,000 tons last season. Then there are 7,000 tons of apples, 600 tons of leeks and 150 of strawberries. All the produce is GlobalG.A.P. and HACCP certified, with full traceability from the field to the customer. Devos is also in process of BRC certification. The family company has increased its ULO cold storage capacity to 8,000 tons in total, as well as doubling its grading capacity in its new packing station to 100 tons a day.Their main export destinations are Spain (including the Canary Islands), France, Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Russia, Eastern Europe and Germany are newer, growing markets too. 90% of their own produce is branded “Numero Uno”, which has now become exemplary in Conference pears and apples from Belgium. The Devos group also stands out for the Primo apple, which is its main apple product, locally bred in Belgium and exclusively sold by the Devos Group under the “Primo” brand. “We also have several other brands in order to find the best selection for each customer,” explains Pieter Devos.