Döhler acquires majority stake in Spanish juice producer | Progresiv
Döhler has reached an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Zumos Catalano Aragoneses (Zucasa), a Spanish producer of juices, purées and sweet fruit concentrates. 
With immediate effect, Döhler will manage Zucasa’s juice production facility located in the Huesca region of Spain through its subsidiary Döhler Fraga.
Zucasa began production in 2010 with three lines for processing fruits and vegetables: two of which are for purées and one for juices. Currently, it employs around 50 people on permanent contracts, reaching 150 workers during high season.
Döhler said the deal marks a “great step forward” in one of Europe’s largest fruit production areas, adding that its customers will benefit from a more diverse offering in the stone fruits segment as well as in apples and pears.
In a statement, Döhler said: “Zucasa’s extensive expertise and ability to provide fruit and vegetable juices, purées and concentrates for food and beverages, combined with the broad product portfolio and the comprehensive industry knowledge of the Döhler Group, will create unique synergy effects.”
Headquartered in Darmstadt, Germany, Döhler is active in more than 130 countries and has more than 40 production sites globally.
Last October, the company acquired a majority stake in Italian firm Nutrafood, in a move to boost its plant-based food and beverage offer.
Speaking with FoodBev at SIAL Paris, Döhler product manager for fruit and vegetable ingredients Julian Bopp revealed how the company has created a fruit and vegetable juice concept that blends orange and zucchini juice.
Bopp explained that zucchini allows its customers to taper the sugar content of their beverages, customising the level of the vegetable in their products to match their taste requirements and calorie reduction goals. (www.foodbev.com)
