New agreement will see Orsero’s Spanish division ripen around 20 per cent of the Canary Islands’ PGI-certified production
Mediterranean fresh produce distributor Orsero Group has strengthened its role in the Canary Islands banana trade with the signing of a new alliance between its Spanish division Hermanos Fernández Lopez and Cupalma, the largest cooperative and agricultural producer on the island of La Palma.
The agreement further solidifies a bond between the two companies that has existed since 1988, and gives Cupalma’s more than 2,000 farmers access to Orsero’s Spanish infrastructure.
This allows them to ripen around 135,000 tonnes of PGI-certified Canary Islands bananas per year and move them via Spain’s ports through one of the country’s largest distribution networks, as well as international supply chains into Portugal, France, Italy and Greece.
According to Orsero, the deal is expected to see 280,000 tonnes of fruit distributed over the duration of the agreement, with a total value of over €300mn.
For its part, Fernández is set to manage over 42,000 tonnes of bananas produced every year by the cooperative’s members – around 20 per cent of total Canarian production – for a total marketing volume of close to 90,000 tonnes.
“This strategic alliance confirms Orsero’s commitment to supporting excellent fruit and vegetable supply chains and the union between the world of production and distribution, to ensure greater efficiency and commercial strength that favours fair remuneration for all links in the value chain,” stated Fernández CEO Feliciano Freiria.
“With this agreement, we strengthen our leadership position in the European fruit and vegetable market, reaffirming our strong commitment to enhancing quality and promoting local excellence.”
