The recent merger of two Italian fresh produce cooperatives – Patfruit and Ferrara Frutta – to form a newly consolidated Patfruit has enabled the firms to save €2m, according to the group.
In particular, the merger at the start of 2009 has reportedly allowed the companies to achieve constant improvements, optimising their services and rationalising investments.
'The programme undertaken at the start of 2009 aimed to increase operational efficiency in order to increase our level of competitiveness and reach a higher level of specialisation to market our members' production in the best possible way and guarantee them a fair return,' commented Patfruit president Luciano Torreggiani.
Patfruit saw its turnover increase to €59m in 2009, handling more than 145,000 tonnes of fresh produce, including 46,300 tonnes of fruit, 50,000 tonnes of potatoes and onions and 43,400 tonnes of tomatoes.
'A year on, we can confirm with great satisfaction that the aims of the merger, in terms of rationalisation and consequently loweing of costs, have been fully realised,' Mr Torreggiani added.
Lowering costs represents a significant achievement given the current economic context, with consumption levels stalling and demand suffering as a result.
Patfruit had managed to retain a leading position in key product areas like Emilia-Romagna pears and Bologna potatoes, Mr Torreggiani suggested.
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