Belgian multinational produce company Univeg Group registered year-on-year sales growth of 6% in the first nine months of 2012, reaching €2.3 billion (US$3.04 billion).

A company release attributed the growth to a global strategic plan implemented in December 2011, focusing on growing the fruit and vegetable business in a profitable way, divesting non-core assets and changing the group's organization.

Univeg management expects the full divestment program will exceed €100 million (US$132.4 million), creating more financial opportunities for growth.

The group has invested €18 million (US$23.89 million) this year and has indicated significant investments will continue in 2013.

"UNIVEG believes there is still significant growth potential in its core markets such as Belgium, Germany and The Netherlands," the release said.

"France, UK and USA are also considered markets with important growth potential. In addition, changing global fruit and vegetables flows show new geographical opportunities, e.g. Asia and the Middle East."

This year the company developed a fruit partner strategy in response to changing global dynamics, working closely with growers of all sizes to optimize their potential by giving them a guaranteed route to market with customer-focused principles.

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