SVZ names Johan Cerstiaens new managing director

THE NETHERLANDS – Fruit and vegetable ingredient specialist SVZ has appointed Johan Cerstiaens as its new managing director, effective immediately. 

He succeeds Pieter Spanjers, who is stepping down after five years of leadership that helped position the company for future success. 

In his new role, Cerstiaens will oversee SVZ’s operations across the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain and Poland, four markets central to the company’s sourcing and production activities.

Cerstiaens brings more than 25 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, including the last 12 years at SVZ. 

He first joined as Sales Director before becoming Commercial Director, where he played a pivotal role in establishing strategic commercial partnerships and expanding the company’s footprint in Europe and Asia. 

Now as managing director, he will continue to guide the commercial team, ensuring stability in customer and supplier relationships while steering long-term growth initiatives.

“I’m honoured to take on this new challenge at such an important time for SVZ,” said Cerstiaens. “I look forward to building on our strong foundation by developing new sourcing areas, expanding our portfolio, and further enhancing the value we bring to our customers and partners.”

Sander van Pijkeren, head of HR at SVZ, praised outgoing MD Pieter Spanjers for his leadership and expressed confidence in Cerstiaens. 

“Johan is a growth-focused executive with deep expertise in sales, marketing, and business development. We are confident that under his leadership, SVZ will continue to strengthen its market position and accelerate its expansion internationally,” Pijkeren said.

SVZ, part of the Royal Cosun group, is a global supplier of high-quality fruit and vegetable ingredients to the food and beverage industry. 

The company works closely with farmers and partners to provide sustainable, natural solutions that meet the evolving needs of food producers and consumers worldwide. 

Its wide-ranging portfolio includes purees, juice concentrates, and NFC (not-from-concentrate) juices, as well as IQF (individually quick-frozen) fruits and vegetables. 

These ingredients are widely used in various applications, including dairy products, beverages, baby food, baked goods, ice cream, and confectionery. Examples include strawberry puree for yogurts, carrot and beet concentrates for drinks, and berry blends for desserts and sauces.

By combining deep agricultural expertise with a focus on innovation, SVZ has positioned itself as a trusted partner for global food brands. 

With Cerstiaens now at the helm, the company is set to continue building on its sustainability initiatives, expanding its product portfolio, and delivering added value to its international customer base.

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