Dole Europe, one of the continent's largest marketers of fresh produce, has announced plans to make a full commitment to entering the European fresh berry market.
After a successful start in Italy, the group confirmed it was now expanding its product line throughout Europe to include a wide range of berries.
'Dole's knowhow and expertise are fully applicable on berries, which arefragile products and require very special care and very careful attention all along the entire chain, from the source to our customers,'said Dole Europe president Jean-Christophe Juilliard.
Dole actually started selling berries last year in Italy from local sources, from Spain, and from South America.
'The company is once more proving its expertise on a logistically challenging segment such as berries,' the company said in a statement.
The company says it will work with clients to market and supply products including raspberries, blackcurrants, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and gooseberries, aiming at a full European coverage by the end of 2010.
'Quality and reliability being indispensable conditions for Dole, the company is currently approving the qualification of high-quality and reliable sources of berries in Europe and in the Southern hemisphere, in order to offer top-quality products and a reliable supply to its customers,' the company added.
