Italian perishable logistics and handling company Clerici Logistics Group (CLG) has reached an agreement to sell the Genoa Fruit Terminal to logistics and construction firm Gruppo Gavio.
Although the deal remains subject to approval by competition authorities, Gavio is expected to take control of fresh produce operations on the port's Ponte Somalia quay as of September.
CLG recently undertook a strategic review of its business following the loss in 2007 of a major contract with Chiquita to handle its banana imports.
The loss of Chiquita's business is understood to have precipitated a decrease in the volume of fresh produce handled by the group during 2008, with turnover falling from €14m compared with €22m during the previous 12 months.
A statement release by CLG said the group would press forward 'with renewed vigor and dynamism', confirming its plans to complete a new banana ripening facility at the port which will enable it to supply the fruit direct to customers in Italy.
CLG continues to manage fruit terminal operations at the Port of Salerno, near Naples, as well as international logistics and supply chain services through its Med Reefer subsidiary.
The Genoa Port Authority, meanwhile, is reportedly poised to begin work on redeveloping the port, which will include the removal of obsolete facilities on the Ponte Somalia and the consolidation of service areas.
The opening of a new passageway is expected to provide the fruit terminal and other adjacent operators with further significant improvements.
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