A new joint citrus marketing venture called MM Global Citrus Limited (MMG) is to take over the marketing of citrus to UK importer Mack Citrus’s existing customers.
MMG, an alliance between Fresca Group, Mack Citrus’s parent company, and Spanish citrus exporter Martinavarro, aims to become the UK’s leader in fresh citrus, focused on quality, innovation, food safety, customer service and adding value to the category.
The company will be run by the existing Mack Citrus team, with Gary Cirillo continuing in his role as commercial director, and will be based in Paddock Wood, Kent. Guy Dixon, currently commercial director of Martinavarro, will join the MMG team whilst maintaining his role in Spain.
“Mack and Martinavarro have traded together in an informal partnership for more than 50 years,” said Fresca chairman Chris Mack. “This is a unique relationship and we believe the time is right for us to now bring together our activities in this exciting new integrated structure. The new company will initially be focused on development of citrus supply in the UK, but with a much closer tie to the producers around the world.”
The new venture, to be operational from May 1 2007, will also start exploring opportunities in continental Europe in due course, either with other customers through Martinavarro or directly.
Fresca’s operating companies include Mack Multiples, Mack Wholesale, Primafruit and Manor Fresh. Established in 1948, Martinavarro is Spain’s largest citrus grower, with large-scale farsm in the main production areas of Spain and Portugal.
