Omer-Decugis Partners with PrepWorld to Develop Fresh Cut Fruit in France
French group Omer-Decugis & Cie and British company PrepWorld, a division of BerryWorld, announce the establishment of a joint venture named PrepWorld France, according to a press release published this Tuesday. This entity will be located at the future logistics platform of Omer-Decugis at Dunkerque-Port.
Joint Venture and Market Operations
The joint venture will be equally financed by both partners and will operate in the French market for fresh cut fruits, which is valued at approximately 200 million euros according to the press release. The entity will operate with an integrated mixed team, allowing for the combination of the respective expertise of the two groups. According to Vincent Omer-Decugis, CEO of the French group, this initiative is part of a vertical integration strategy covering everything from production to distribution. The French market shows an annual consumption of whole fruits of 124 kg per capita, the document states. PrepWorld, the British leader in prepared fresh fruits, will bring its sector expertise developed in the UK market, where the company has been a benchmark since its establishment in 2012. The British company had a turnover of more than 157 million euros as of September 30, 2025, and produced over ninety-eight million units, the press release details.
Strategic Location and Logistics
The PrepWorld France site will be located within the future logistics and ripening platform of Omer-Decugis & Cie at Dunkerque-Port, according to the group. This location aims to develop logistics that integrate supply, ripening, and processing of fresh products, while ensuring access to the French, British, and continental European markets. Benjamin Olins, CEO of PrepWorld, emphasizes in the press release that this location complements the British site at Northfleet and will ensure the marketing of products under optimal conditions of freshness and quality. The ambition extends beyond the French market, with the goal of serving major European markets, the company indicates. The Omer-Decugis group highlights its commitment to low-carbon logistics.
Expertise and Market Presence
Omer-Decugis & Cie, a family group founded in 1850 and specialized in fresh fruits and vegetables, brings its mastery of the value chain from production and importation, as well as its expertise in ripening. The group achieved a turnover of 284.8 million euros as of September 30, 2025, representing more than 185,000 tonnes of fresh fruits and vegetables distributed, according to the press release. PrepWorld, on the other hand, has a 13,000 square meter packaging site at Northfleet, presented as the largest in Europe dedicated to ready-to-eat fresh fruits. The British company is recognized for its product innovations and has developed a range of value-added products. PrepWorld is part of BerryWorld Ltd, which is owned by AgroBerries Group, described as the second largest player in the global berry sector. According to the press release, both partners believe that prepared fresh fruits meet current consumer trends oriented towards healthy eating and convenience.
