Spuntini Welcomes Givana XL “into the Family”
- François Remy
- Oct 7
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 21
Horeca-specialized wholesaler Spuntini continues its expansion with the acquisition of its Lokeren-based peer, Givana XL. “For both parties, this is truly a moment of growth,” enthuses the family-run group from Deerlijk.
“Together, we are further strengthening our promise to the horeca sector,” said the Van Bever family group, framing its brief press release as a friendly welcome message to Givana XL. As is customary, the financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed. However, the deal is expected to reinforce Spuntini’s position as a comprehensive wholesaler for professionals in the hospitality and retail industries.
Founded in 1987 by Nico Van Bever – who previously ran several fry shops (frituur) and learned the ropes of intermediation – Spuntini has become a recognized name in the foodservice distribution sector.
Behind its slogan “We deliver food happiness,” displayed on the loading docks of its Deerlijk headquarters, about 20 minutes from Kortrijk, the company distributes a broad assortment of 25,000 food products.
Its 13 sites across Belgium and France employ 350 people, serving around 10,000 clients. And the family business, with active involvement from Nico’s wife and children, also supplies schools, companies, and leisure centers (such as Center Parcs, Planckendael, etc.) in alongside traditional restaurants.
But Spuntini is also guided by another, more strategic credo: “Grow and keep growing, with a focus on personal approaches.”
Big Ambitions Often Go Hand in Hand with Acquisitions
Organic growth, by developing existing activities, is thus supplemented by a mechanism of acquisitions and consolidations. This began in earnest in 2012, both domestically and abroad, and was bolstered by a modernization of leadership in 2020, with the arrival of the second generation of the family.
In 2022, Spuntini notably integrated Biebuyck, a key player in frozen foods based in Ruiselede. And in September 2024, Bella Sicilia, a specialist in Italian products from La Louvière, also joined the famiglia.
This time, it is the turn of Givana XL to be counted as a new member of the group. This distributor, also well-established in the industry, only started thinking "extra large" in 2013. It's a success story for the self-taught entrepreneurs Peter Goossens and Sarah Fierens, who took over the wholesale business "Givana" in 1997.
The duo immersed themselves the market, the producers, and the customers. The rapid growth of their company soon required logistical expansion, with frequent enlargements of the warehouses, refrigeration, and freezing areas.
Today, Givana XL daily supplies chip shops, snack bars, sandwich shops, pita bars, home sellers, hospitality businesses, sports clubs, and more.
A Logistical Milestone on the Strategic Path
Through this shared moment of growth, Spuntini now gains not only a complementary product portfolio but also access to Givana XL’s operational center.
Covering over 8,000 m², ideally located in the E17/1 industrial zone in Lokeren, the site combines a delivery hub and a cash & carry center, thereby increasing the logistical strength of the family group.
To reassure current customers, both suppliers have guaranteed that day-to-day operations will continue unchanged, with the same order systems and sales contacts.
“With Givana XL by our side, we’re taking a new step in our ambition to be the preferred partner of every horeca professional in Belgium and France,” says Spuntini.
More than 28% of the Deerlijk-based wholesaler’s turnover (€160 million) already comes from the French market, where 4.5 million of the 15 million products shipped annually are sold.
Established in France since an expansion between 2004 and 2006, Spuntini France will soon open a brand-new ultramodern distribution center currently being built south of Lille.
To replace a French HQ that has become “too small to support long-term plans,” the new 5,400 m² warehouse will be able to store and process more than 3,500 pallets—on a 23,000 m² site, leaving plenty of room for future expansion ambitions.
