Italian co-operatives and exporters are banding together to increase their presence and standing on export markets. The successful Made in Blu consortium is changing its structure and increasing its product range. Now known as Compagnia Italiana della Frutta, but maintaining the Made in Blu brand, the group is aiming to consolidate exports to European countries and develop sendings to Canada, the US and Russia, particularly kiwifruit.

The group now has the blessing of Italian farm minister Gianni Alemanno. “The group’s experience shows how world markets can be entered by aiming at the top end of the market,” he said.

Made in Blu works in partnership with Poupart for non-supermarket business in the UK. And will soon be launching new products onto the marketplace. “We will start very shortly with cherry tomatoes from Sicily,” said Jonathan Olins of Poupart. “Availability will be year round and later this year we hope to extend the Made in Blu range to include cherries.”

In order to succeed, Italian companies need to group together, become more international and really launch themselves into exports, Gianni Amidei, Made in Blu president said.

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