VFM.net has developed a new trade management and communication tool – the VFM I-Deal – intended to help the European fresh produce industry move towards e-commerce.

The product was launched in the Netherlands last October. Following successes with Dutch and Scandinavian companies, VFM is looking to bring it over to the UK in the near future.

The VFM I-Deal took 18 months to develop. The system will enable importers and wholesalers to integrate their trading partners, suppliers and customers with their existing IT systems.

VFM says it believes the new system will make a huge difference to the daily commerce of many fresh produce businesses in the UK.

The new technology will give companies the chance to achieve a type of electronic data interchange that does not require a great deal of investment.