Fresh produce company Spreafico has signed a deal with Israeli exporter Carmel-Agrexco to become its exclusive import partner for Carmel-branded fruit and vegetables in the Italian market.
Agrexco used to be Israel's largest fresh produce exporter but is now a far smaller operation after recent financial difficulties including bankruptcy and liquidation forced many of its grower-suppliers to market their produce through other channels.
The company used to supply the Italian market and customers in other European countries through GF Group, which last year salvaged two reefer ships previously operated by Agrexco. The ships are now managed by GF Group's shipping subsidiary Cosiarma.
For Spreafico, which supplies retail and foodservice clients throughout Italy, the new deal represents a potentially valuable opportunity to build on what remains a well-known brand among fresh produce buyers in the Italian market.
"The abilities of Carmel-Agrexco when it comes to Israeli fresh produce, together with Spreafico's distribution expertise, will allow for a direct relationship between Israel's plentiful production and the Italian market," said a spokesperson for the company.
