Italy-based Origine Group, a consortium of ten major produce companies, has acquired Compagnia Italiana della Frutta, owner of the brands Made in Blu and Fruitaly.

“The acquisition is part of Origine Group strategy of development as a collective organization aimed at the marketing of our best productions on the overseas markets, with the guarantee of quality and efficiency for our clients, ” said Ilenio Bastoni, president of Origine Group and Compagnia Italiana della Frutta.

The Origine Group now a portfolio of several major brands, including Sweeki, PeraItalia, Made in Blu and Fruitaly. It has sales in China, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the U.S., Canada and Europe.

“As a result of this acquisition we hold a remarkable range of clients and brands, that will reinforce our commercial penetration in overseas markets, both acquired and future. This gives us confidence for the 2018/19 season, after a difficult year marked by the shortage of kiwis on the North Hemisphere," says Origine Group general manager, Alessandro Zampagna.

Bastoni added: "The objective is to be a player in the world market, increasing the value of the local production and protecting the income of farmers."

Origine Group is made up of Afe, Apofruit, Frutta C2, Gran Frutta Zani, Kiwi Uno, Kiwi Sole, Pempa-Corer, Salvi-Unacoa, Spreafico and Chilean group Del Curto. The consortium represents companies with a total turnover of around 1 billion euros.

www.freshfruitportal.com