According to reports in the Chilean press, global sourcing vice-president Ben Nordemann said that the firm plans to increase the amount of produce supplied by Chile to its supermarkets by a quarter.

The plan would initially involve supply to the group's Latin American supermarkets before being rolled out eventually to its stores worldwide. It is likely to affect larger volume, less delicate fruit lines such as apples.

The group reportedly met with Unifrutti, David del Curto, San Clemente, Rio Blanco, Copefrut, Dole, Viconto, Chiquita, Frusan, Agricom, Rucaray and Aconex last weekend.

'Royal Ahold set up a global sourcing department following visits to Chile in 2000,' said Chilean Fresh Fruit Association - Europe director Roger Manning who organised the visits for the supermarket group. He believes that this is the beginning of a trend that will see more of the world's largest retailers go directly. 'The biggest organisations, such as Carrefour and Tesco will follow this route,' said Manning. 'It is inevitable. ' However it is likely that it will not spell the demise of importers who still have much to offer in terms of adding value and expertise in handling of the most delicate products such as grapes, berries and stone fruit.

Dutch importer Citronas, which supplies Royal Ahold with Chilean produce also believes there continues to be a clear role for importers. 'We talk to Ahold global sourcing and respect each other's philosophy,' said commercial director Robert Blok. 'Specialities such as grape need complete guidance to market and we add value...But less complicated lines such as apples they are doing themselves: we have each found a way of demonstrating our strengths.'

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