Association marks 25th anniversary in Sicily, where its president Salvo Laudani is due to step down
More than a hundred leading figures from across the European and international fresh produce business have gathered in Sicily this week to mark the 25th anniversary of industry association Freshfel Europe, at a time when geopolitical instability, economic uncertainty, climate concerns, and stricter regulation place the trade under greater pressure than ever before.
The group’s annual general meeting, which takes place on 15-16 April in Giardini-Naxos, to the north of Catania, also marks the conclusion of Salvo Laudani’s four-year stint as its president.
Laudani, who is also marketing manager of leading supplier Oranfrizer-Unifrutti and president Italian export association Fruitimprese’s Sicilian arm, described the occasion as “a special edition” in his home region, and one that would reflect both the sector’s achievements and the challenges it continues to face.
“As I come to the end of my mandate, I do so with deep gratitude. It has been a true honour to serve a sector that is vital not only to Europe’s economy, but to the well-being of its citizens and the planet,” he commented.
“Celebrating this milestone, we must also raise the strength of our collective voice. Fruits and vegetables are uniquely positioned at the intersection of health and sustainability. Their contribution must be recognised more clearly in policy, markets, and by consumers alike.”
He added: “It has been a privilege to serve this remarkable sector,” he concluded. “I leave with pride in what we have accomplished together, and with optimism for what lies ahead.”
New manifesto
Freshfel’s quarter-century of service to the fruit and vegetable industry is also seen as an important milestone for the business.
During that time, the organisation has built a strong reputation as the unified voice of the fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain, promoting collaboration among different stakeholders, advocating for the sector at European and global level, and guiding it through an evolving regulatory environment.
“Despite various challenges, the fresh produce sector has demonstrated a strong capacity of adaptation and leadership, positioning itself as part of the solution to major societal concerns,” said a spokesperson.
“Fruits and vegetables remain central to both public health and environmental sustainability, offering high nutritional value with a relatively low ecological footprint.”
Freshfel Europe will use this week’s assembly to present what it describes as a “forward-looking manifesto” developed by its board, one which outlines its priorities and ambitions for the next five years.
That roadmap will aim to strengthen advocacy efforts, enhance the sector’s visibility, and ensure that fresh fruit and vegetables are fully recognised by those responsible for shaping European policy in the future.
