Aartsen's Italian produce portfolio kept expanding, which made this Dutch company's team very keen to strengthen trade with that country. Maria Martelli, who hails from the Tuscany region, thus joined the team to lend commercial support. Her knowledge of the Italian language and culture makes her a valuable addition.
Another team member, Josje Machielsen, was sent on a trip to master the Italian language. Her journey, which started in Calabria and Sicily, in the southernmost of Italy, covered more than 10,000 km. After more than two weeks in Sicily, Josje drove toward Puglia and then on to the north. Starting north in Trentino, she traveled on to Veneto and Emilia-Romagna.
For the last week, Josje returned south to get better acquainted with shipping agents in Basilicata, Campania, and Lazio. Before she embarked on this adventure, Josje's knowledge of Italy did not extend much beyond cappuccino and pasta. Two months in Italy and weeks of intense language classes got her increasingly proficient in Italian. Plus, Josje met several business partners in that country.
New Pink Lady harvest
"The New Zealand Pink Lady season is over. Last week, we already received the new Italian Pink Lady crop. We get these apples year-round, so when these two countries are done, we move on to Chile and South Africa. We have good partners in all those countries, like V.O.G., among others, in Italy. There, Pink Lady is cultivated in South Tyrol, where many other varieties also grow," says an Aartsten spokesperson.
Something for everyone
"Besides these apples, we've exclusively represented the Marlene brand - known for its continuity and top quality - in the Netherlands for years. Our wide assortment and availability let us serve many customers. We get apples such as Granny Smith, Royal Gala, and Fuji, and in March, the relatively new variety, Cosmic Crisp."
"But we can also offer club apples like Jazz and Kanzi. In short, there's something for everyone. This broad portfolio enables us to supply wholesalers, exporters, and local fruit and vegetable retailers, year-round. That fits perfectly with our extensive weekly distribution possibilities," explains the company representative.
"That also applies to Aartsen in general. We continually broaden and have an expansive fruit and vegetable package. Therefore, the Italian assortment, too, continues to grow. From apples from the Dolomites to Sicilian grapes, we have partners everywhere. Forty years ago, we began with endive, potatoes, and cauliflower from Italy."
"Now, that range includes melons, persimmons, and red lettuce, and sometimes even prickly pears, bergamot, Cime di rape, and Catalogna. Italy offers a diverse produce range, and it remains Aartsen's challenge to get these products, fresh, to our clients. You name it; we handle it. We're ready for it, Forza Italia!" the spokesperson concludes.
For more information:
Aartsen
+Tel: 31 (0) 765 248 100
Website: www.aartsen.com