Renzo Piraccini one of three new appointments, as kiwifruit consortium targets further expansion
Renzo Piraccini, ex-president of trade fair Macfrut and a former general manager at Italian fresh produce supplier Apofruit, has joined Kiwi Passion Consortium, a European consortium of producers, breeders, nurseries, and marketers focused on developing and commercialising premium kiwifruit varieties.
Piraccini takes on the role of vice-president, with responsibility for strategic development and international expansion.
He is one of three new appointments to the group’s board of directors, which convened on 28 May following its latest shareholder meeting.
According to to the consortium, his appointment marks an important milestone on its continued journey.
In recent years, Kiwi Passion has built a supply model in the European market with the development of two varietal projects, Red Passion and Gold Passion.
At the same time, is had expanded its international presence and developed counter-seasonal production programmes in the Southern Hemisphere.
Joining the board alongside Piraccini are Claudio Dal Pane and Armando Paoli, both of them so-called ‘packing partners’.
“Dal Pane represents one of the most important packing operations within the Kiwi Passion network, while Paoli brings extensive experience from the production sector and agricultural cooperative system, representing Frutta Friuli, a company that is making significant investments in the development of the consortium’s varieties,” it said in a statemet.
Nicola Negri, the consortium’s president, said the appointment of all three would send “a very strong message” about the project’s future.
“Renzo Piraccini’s presence further enhances the consortium’s credibility and international vision, while Claudio Dal Pane and Armando Paoli will provide invaluable contributions in strengthening our connection with both the packing and production sectors,” he commented.
The new board of directors will apparently be tasked with leading the next strategic phase of expansion for Kiwi Passion.
Its objectives include further increasing production acreage, strengthening the commercial positioning of its brands, and developing new markets in both the Northern Hemisphere and counter-season production regions.
