2009-12-30 Kiwa takes over Ceres Iberica

Having previously concluded an alliance with the Spanish firm of Gima, Kiwa has now succeeded in taking over Ceres Iberica. Ceres Iberica is a leading Spanish certification institution for vegetables and fruit. This take-over signals Kiwa’s expansion as facilitator for Spanish export and European import firms for fruit and vegetables.

Ceres is a relatively small certification institution, but it has a surprisingly wide scope, including its own accreditations and a sound network. Operating in the agro-food sector, Ceres is a perfect match for Kiwa Gima with which Kiwa formed an alliance in November 2008. Ceres has its head office in Zaragoza, from which it services the north-eastern part of Spain. Kiwa aims at a strategy of realising a comprehensive geographical spread in Spain in those regions that are important for the growth and production of vegetables and fruit and other foodstuffs. Ad Besemer, international manager van Kiwa: “Both national and international certification schemes are an absolute must in these sectors as the requirements are becoming increasingly strict. Large retailers (supermarkets) in particular wish to limit the risk for consumers by introducing certification. At Kiwa we are focusing on facilitating this sector from an international perspective by offering our expertise”.
Ceres will be fully integrated with Kiwa Gima to prevent the organisation from becoming too fragmented. Joining the two organisation will also result in economy of scale and provide synergy by sharing accreditations and networks.

With the acquisition of the Spanish firm of Ceres Kiwa has taken a major step in its ambition to grow into a middle-sized European certification institution. Earlier, Kiwa has acquired companies in the Netherlands, Turkey, Italy, Germany and the UK and has initiated its own start ups in China, Belgium and Sweden. These activities make Kiwa the fastest growing certification institute in the Netherlands.

For more information
Kiwa Corporate communication
Mr. George Mentjox
E-Mail: gm@kiwa.nl
Tel: +31 (0) 653315701