Alexander Thaller SanLucar Austria

SanLucar Austria managing director Alexander Thaller

Fresh produce company SanLucar, a key supplier of fresh produce to a number of European markets, is developing closer ties with producers in Austria as it seeks to satisfy growing demand in the country for locally produced fruit and vegetables.

The group, which mainly supplies German-owned food retailer Rewe in Austria, recently opened a new national headquarters in Ebreichsdorf, south of Vienna.

According to SanLucar Austria managing director Alexander Thaller, will begin by forging close links with growers in the surrounding region of Lower Austria.

The new centre reportedly cost €10m and is situated on a 34,700m2 site incorporating warehouses as well as a 6,600m2 banana ripening facility.

“Our goal is to develop ourselves in the region, to expand and to create more jobs,” Thaller told Niederösterreichische Nachrichten, revealing also that the company was considering opening a small number of shops in the area to sell regional produce to local consumers.