The Guillin Group, a European leader in food packaging solutions and related materials, has announced the acquisition of two Belgian companies through its French subsidiary Alterecopack. The transaction covers Gruyaert Verpakking and Verpakkingen V de V, further reinforcing Guillin’s position in the paper and cardboard packaging segment.
Gruyaert Verpakking is described by the group as Belgium’s leading manufacturer of customised cardboard pastry boxes, while Verpakkingen V de V distributes Gruyaert products on the Belgian market alongside a range of complementary packaging solutions. In 2024, the two businesses generated combined revenues of approximately €19 million and employed around 40 people.
According to Guillin, the acquisition is fully aligned with its long-term strategy of expanding its product portfolio in order to address the full spectrum of customer needs across foodservice, bakery, and agri-food markets. The group also underlines that the move strengthens its recognised expertise in food packaging solutions, particularly in printed and customised cardboard formats.
Commenting on the transaction, Sophie Guillin, Chief Executive Officer of the Guillin Group, highlighted the strategic and cultural fit between the companies. “Gruyaert and VdeV are family businesses, driven by a love of their products and a commitment to a job well done. We were impressed by their expertise, their rigor, and their remarkable manufacturing processes,” she said. “This acquisition strengthens the expertise of our WEFOLD paper/cardboard sites and our presence in the printed and customized cardboard packaging segment.”
She added that the integration would be guided by shared values and a strong customer focus. “Strengthened by our shared values and our common goal of putting customer satisfaction at the heart of our decisions, we will strive to continue the wonderful entrepreneurial adventure of Gruyaert and VdeV with passion and ambition,” Guillin stated.
From the sellers’ side, the transaction is presented as the beginning of a new growth phase within a larger European industrial group. Frank Van de Vloet, representing the selling shareholders, emphasised the alignment in values and strategic vision. “All our teams are involved in this exciting project, which marks the beginning of a new chapter for our companies. We are joining a dynamic family-owned group with values that are identical to ours,” he said.
Van de Vloet also pointed to the industrial and commercial relevance of the partnership. “We share with the Guillin Group the goal of offering our customers high-quality, customizable products manufactured in Europe, with impeccable logistics. We are convinced of the relevance of this partnership, which brings together recognized expertise in the market to serve our customers,” he added.
The acquisition further consolidates Guillin’s paper and cardboard activities, particularly within its WEFOLD network of sites dedicated to fibre-based packaging. While Guillin has traditionally been strongly positioned in plastic food packaging, the group has in recent years accelerated investments and acquisitions in cardboard and fibre-based solutions, reflecting evolving market demand and regulatory pressure for diversified and recyclable packaging formats.
Founded in 1972, the Guillin Group is a French family-owned company and today positions itself as the European leader in food packaging solutions. The group serves customers across catering, agri-food, fruit and vegetable processing, and institutional catering. With this latest move in Belgium, Guillin continues to expand its geographic reach and technical capabilities in customised, printed food packaging, particularly for bakery and pastry applications.
