Italian group invests in US importer Trucco, establishing first presence in world’s largest fresh produce consumer market
Italian company Orsero Group has made its long-awaited first move into the US market by investing the share capital of US importer Trucco Group, one of the world’s largest fresh produce importers.
Announcing the new joint venture, the companies said their new, strategic partnership was based on a shared vision for long-term development in the North American fresh produce market, one that would position them for growth and create “significant operational efficiencies”.
The move sees Trucco’s owner and CEO Nick Pacia retain his majority ownership and operational leadership of the company.
In the meantime, Orsero vice-president and CEO Raffaella Orsero and CEO Matteo Colombini have joined Trucco’s board of directors, alongside the US company’s vice-president Sasha LoPresti and its director of operations Nicholas Pacia.
With locations in the Bronx, New York and Vineland, New Jersey, Trucco markets and distributes a broad range of produce including kiwifruit, blueberries, citrus, cherries, garlic, chestnuts, and dried fruit.
Orsero, a specialised distributor with extensive experience in high value-added products, offers a range of complementary products that are expected to expand Trucco’s current portfolio.
Shared goals
The companies said they would leverage such synergies to enhance their capabilities and provide new opportunities for customers.
Nick Pacia commented: “Trucco has built its success by prioritising our customers and employees and making prudent decisions that drive long-term, sustainable growth. Orsero is the right partner to help us build on that foundation. Together, Trucco and Orsero can further our shared commitment to delivering top-quality produce through seamless procurement and distribution networks.”
He added: “It was important to me that this partnership preserve what has made Trucco successful for generations – the leadership, relationships and commitment to excellence that our partners and employees have come to know and trust.
“I look forward to advancing our shared goals of expanding Trucco’s operations across the United States and Canada and broadening the products we can offer customers.”
Raffaella Orsero and Matteo Colombini issued a joint statement: “Today marks a historic moment for Orsero: for the first time, we are entering the United States, the world’s largest and most dynamic consumer market for fresh fruit and vegetables.”
They continued: “Orsero’s investment in Trucco is a transformative milestone for the group, as it opens the opportunity to establish a presence in a new geography that will play a fundamental role in our future growth journey. The United States is indeed an expanding market, rich in opportunities and commercial synergies, and characterised by growing demand for fresh produce.”
