The European feed industry is experiencing significant consolidation and strategic realignment. In this context, the Dutch company De Heus Animal Nutrition has announced the acquisition of Voeders Huys, an established Belgian feed manufacturer, marking a crucial step in its growth and expansion strategy.
Strategic consolidation in Northern France and Belgium
De Heus Animal Nutrition, among the 12 largest feed manufacturers in the world, has strengthened its presence in Western Europe with the acquisition of Voeders Huys, which has production facilities in Bruges (Belgium) and northern France. This strategic acquisition reinforces De Heus’s position in a region with strong agricultural potential and where it has already achieved notable commercial growth. The transaction gives De Heus an additional production capacity of approximately 250,000 tonnes per year, enabling it to respond more efficiently to the growing demand from customers in the region. Gabor Fluit, CEO of De Heus Animal Nutrition, described the acquisition as “a new chapter in our long-term growth strategy”.
Drive towards feed production in the same country where it is consumed
Historically, De Heus has supplied the Belgian market primarily from its facilities in the Netherlands. However, the acquisition of Voeders Huys represents a strategic shift towards local production, a move that De Heus considers fundamental to its ambition of growing globally with strong roots in local markets.
This localisation not only enhances the company’s ability to deliver tailored, high-quality feed solutions to farmers in Belgium and northern France, but also supports its sustainability objectives. Joost Belt, Group Director of Marketing and Sustainability, indicated that this move will allow the company to shorten supply chains and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a lower carbon footprint.
FOR DE HEUS, THIS IS a new chapter in ITS long-term growth strategy.
The deal aims to consolidate growth in poultry and expand into other species
In recent years, De Heus’s business group in north-western Europe has achieved solid commercial growth in Belgium, becoming a market leader in the poultry sector. The acquisition of Voeders Huys not only reinforces this dominant position in the poultry sector, but also creates opportunities to expand into other sectors within the livestock industry. Paul Damen, Managing Director of De Heus Netherlands, highlighted that Voeders Huys brings “extensive knowledge, a dedicated team and strong customer relationships in the region” — valuable assets that De Heus seeks to leverage in order to support local farmers.
Parallel restructuring at Agrifirm
In a parallel development within the industry, the Dutch agricultural cooperative Royal Agrifirm Group announced its withdrawal from the Hungarian feed market. Agrifirm Hungary will be acquired by UBM Group, a prominent local player in crop trading, compound feed and feed ingredients. Piet Hilarides, CEO of Royal Agrifirm Group, stated that this divestment supports the company’s focus on markets where it holds a strong competitive position. The deal is expected to close in August 2025.
For further information:
-. Acquisitions and sales of companies in the poultry sector at NeXusAvicultura
-. De Heus expands production capacity into Belgium and France with the acquisition of Voeders Huys (2 June 2025)