Smurfit Kappa (Dublin, Ireland) has significantly strengthened its presence in Western France with the acquisition of two Europac sites in Brittany announced this month (Dec. 2018).The packaging leader has acquired the Caradec Box Plant in the Morbihan County and the Saint Pol de Léon site in the Finistére County, reinforcing its capabilities in the fruit and vegetable sector.

Smurfit Kappa has a strong track record in producing innovative and sustainable packaging solutions for the agriculture sector so the Caradec Box Plant is a natural fit with the company. Smurfit Kappa will now have a stronger link to the Brittany food markets and welcomes 200 employees to its worldwide community of employees.

Speaking about the new acquisition, Smurfit Kappa COO of Corrugated Europe, Edwin Goffard, said: "This latest acquisition is part of our integrated strategy and supports our continued drive to open up new opportunities."

Jean-Christophe Bugeon, CEO of Smurfit Kappa France added: "We are delighted to welcome the Caradec employees into our company. More and more retailers and growers are seeking more sustainable packaging alternatives for fresh produce and we can add an even wider choice of premium solutions to our offering."