January 25, 2021

Marel acquires duck processing company

In a press statement, Marel has acquired Poultry Machinery Joosten B.V. (PMJ), a global provider of advanced processing solutions for the duck industry.

PMJ has 40 employees and is located in Opmeer in the Netherlands. PMJ is at the forefront of duck and goose processing solutions and services. The company was founded in 1998 as a family business and has evolved into a global leader for waterfowl processing solutions. PMJ's annual revenues are about EUR 5 million (~US$6.08 million; EUR 1 = US$1.22).

PMJ's complementary product portfolio of primary processing, including waxing and automated evisceration, will make Marel "the industry's only full-line provider of duck processing solutions". Marel will be in a stronger position to broaden its customer base in the duck segment, leverage its global sales and service network and expand into new markets.

PMJ's management team will stay on board and ensure business continuity for employees and customers, serving as the duck knowledge centre.

The global duck meat market is a large and growing market, with an estimated value of about EUR 6 billion. The annual production volume of duck meat is currently 4.5 million tonnes, with 70% from China, where Marel already has an established presence. PMJ has also built long-standing relationships with many of the largest duck processors in the world.

Roger Claessens, EVP Poultry at Marel, says, "The acquisition of PMJ is a logical step for Marel to expand its third pillar within poultry processing alongside broilers and turkey. Technical expertise and an impressive track record of continuous product innovation are defining characteristics of both PMJ and Marel. The high quality of PMJ's solutions reflects the company's 23 years of dedication to duck processing. With our combined efforts and continued focus on innovation, we will be in a stronger position to transform the duck industry in partnership with our customers."