Nationwide extended its reach to Southern Europe when Nationwide Italia was established on June 1 with Francesco Dipaola at the helm.
Nationwide Italia is based near Foggia in the fertile growing region of Apulia in the south of Italy. "Having a base in this important growing area will inevitably lead to an increase in imports from the Apulia region and throughout Italy & Sicily," said Tim O'Malley, Nationwide Group md.
However, the main focus for this new venture is export from the UK and Nationwide's Dutch division, Vitaal, to Italy. O'Malley said: "We have seen our exports to Italy grow three-fold in 2004 and 2005 and hope to capitalise on this success with the establishment of this new venture in this increasingly important export destination."