The merger between two of Australia’s leading fresh produce suppliers is aimed at creating a “stronger, more sustainable company,” according to the new group’s chief executive Anthony Di Pietro.
Upon announcing the LaManna and Premier Fruits groups will join forces as of July, Di Pietro said the union would ensure significant future growth, which will benefit new and existing growers, customers and employees.
“We will have a diverse production capacity across all (Australian) states and look to support and invest with our growers to achieve more resilient production capacity, productivity initiatives and new varieties,” Di Pietro explained. “The combined businesses will benefit from significant scale benefits and a more efficient supply chain to better service our customers.”
The merger builds on a ten year joint venture relationship between LaManna and Premier Fruits through Fresh Choice WA in Western Australia.
“LaManna Group and Premier Fruits Group have been very successful joint venture partners for over a decade in Western Australia and the decision to merge our Australian operations reflects the deep mutual trust and effective working relationship between the two partners,” said the combined group’s chairman, Brian Gargiulo. “The new company will retain the well known brands that our growers and customers identify with and we will continue to invest in those brands to provide better service outcomes for all trade partners in the future.”
