289 Million : The Versele-Laga Empire - From Grocer to Animal Nutrition Giant
Versele family
Versele-Laga is one of the leading manufacturers of pet food in Belgium, based in Deinze. Founded in 1932 by Prudent Versele, the company began as a modest garden restaurant and grocery store. Prudent Versele quickly saw the potential of the sector and founded a factory dedicated to the production of animal feed mixes in Astene, along the River Leie. This plant went into operation in 1938 and became a pillar of the company's development. in the food industry for animals. The empire Versele-Laga has assets estimated at over €289,268,200.
Versele-Laga currently has two main product lines: industrial animal feed and food for small animals and pets. Distribution of industrial animal mixes under the Quartes brand covers mainly Belgium, the southern Netherlands and northern France.
The company is also active in Hungary, where it offers similar products. Foods for pets and hobby animals, marketed by under the name Versele-Laga, are sold in over 75 countries. These products are available mainly from specialist outlets such as pet shops, garden centers and veterinary surgeons.
In terms of infrastructure, the plant's capacity to Astene reached 200,000 tonnes by 1958driven by continuous post-war growth. Today, V-L employs around 900 people in various locations in Belgium and abroad, underlining their international commitment.
Involved at global level
Versele-Laga's international ambitions have been strengthened by several acquisitions and expansions. The acquisition of Higgins Group Corp in 2018 strengthened their position in the North American market. This expansion had begun with the purchase of Cavalor, a horse feed company in Georgia, and of Goldenfeast in Pennsylvania. They also set up a distribution center in Canadain Montreal, consolidating their North American presence.
Financial data and performance
Versele Nutrition, branch covering Versele-Laga for pets, has annual sales of around 430 million euros. Quartes, before its sale to Agrifirm, generated sales of 128 million euros in 2018, despite reduced margins. This reflects the difficulties of the food industry, where pressure on margins is persistent.
Commitment to quality
Throughout its history, Versele-Laga has maintained a strict commitment to quality. Their mission is to supply products that meet the most stringent standards, thereby establishing relationships of trust with their customers. Their catalog includes products for dogs, cats, birds, pigeons and small animalsto mark their versatility.
Discrete expansion
Despite its global expansion, Versele-Laga and the family remain discreet. They avoid interviews, even in the case of acquisitions or during periods of unrest. Their interests are consolidated in the holding company Helucafor stable, unobtrusive management.
Conclusion
Versele-Laga has transformed itself from a small family business to a major player in the industry. animal nutrition and their fortune of over 280 million euros proves it. Their commitment to quality, coupled with a thoughtful expansion strategy, has propelled them onto the international stage while remaining firmly rooted in their original values. Their future looks bright, thanks to their ability to adapt to new markets and maintain high-quality service for their long-standing customers.
