Orsero, one of Europe's largest fresh produce importers, has opened a new packhouse near Bari in southern Italy dedicated to handling and distributing fresh-cut and ready-to-eat produce, as it bids to capitalise on growing demand for fresh convenience products across the country.
The new 1,000m2 facility, which is located in Molfetta, Puglia, just to the north of Bari, was constructed over the past four months and is equipped with advanced technology for producing safe and high-quality chopped fruit.
According to the company, which welcomed a number of local dignitaries including Molfetta mayor Tomasso Minervini to its official inauguration, new centre should help it increase its capacity to supply fresh-cut produce while also giving it more direct access to the southern Italian market.
The new opening follows the creation of a similar packhouse facility for fresh convenience in Florence. Fruitnet understands two further fresh-cut centres are due for completion during the course of 2019.
'The new packhouse represents a further significant step for Orsero,' commented group chief executive Raffaella Orsero, 'and fits perfectly with our commercial development plan, which should see us position fresh-cut production packhouses in strategic areas that enable us to provide a rapid, extensive service across the whole national market, maintaining a high-quality product.'
Minervini added: 'Today is an important day for our region. We are happy that Orsero chose to invest in our community, creating new jobs and making our city more visible.'
