Valleyfresh Australia, one of Australia’s leading fresh produce importers, has launched an export company, Valleyfresh Exports, and opened a new branch in Queensland.
From 1 December, CSI Brisbane will merge is export fresh produce operations with Valleyfresh Exports, and operate from CSI’s office and warehouse in Brisbane.
Executive chairman of Valleyfresh Australia Garth Lockyer said the Queensland branch would ensure the company became a fully integrated importer and service provider across the Australian East Coast.
“After opening and running a successful facility in Sydney’s Homebush, we are looking forward to further expanding our reach in Queensland, “ Lockyer told Asiafruit. “Our vision in Sydney and Brisbane is to replicate our Melbourne DC and service facility, which has been the cornerstone of our growth and success.”
CSI Brisbane founder Doug Hamnonds will remain actively involved in the business as a director and shareholder of ValleyFresh Exports. Hammonds said that CSI’s suppliers and customers should be confident that business would continue as usual.
“Suppliers and customers will receive the same professionalism they have come to expect, as well as benefiting from dealing with what will be one of the premier export and import operations in Australia,” said Hammonds.
Valleyfresh’s Murray McCallum will chair the new export company, bringing with him a renowned career in Australia’s produce industry.
“The establishment of Valleyfresh Exports in Australia compliments our export operations in the US and New Zealand and will allow us to become a significant player worldwide,” said McCallum.
Ryan Smith, who worked with Delica Global for eight years and has a wealth of experience in the Australian and Asian fresh produce business, will join Valleyfresh Exports as a shareholder and director in November.
The latest round of developments follows Valleyfresh Australia’s recent appointment of former CostaExchange MD Mano Babiolakis as an executive director. Babiolakis has been brought in to help drive strategic expansion for Valleyfresh, with further merger and acquisition activity understood to be in the pipeline.
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