Fyffes has paid between £2 million and £3 million for a 50 per cent stake in Anaco International, a Dutch fresh fruit and produce company. This is the eighth acquisition in Europe by Fyffes in the past 18 months.

Anaco's business involves the importation, marketing and distribution in northern Europe of fresh fruit and produce from the Canary Islands, Spain and Morocco. The company has been one of the largest distributors of Canary Islands tomatoes for many years.

Anaco had sales in the year to last August of £42 million and net assets of £1.6 million. The company's chief executive, Mr Luis Penata Ramos and two other managers will be remaining on in the business.