The fact that Africa could be a continent of opportunities for the Italian fruit and vegetable supply chain was already evident from the large number of African companies that took part in the last edition of Macfrut. However, Italian company ADfruit took the opposite route, by attending F&B West Africa in Lagos, the capital of Nigeria, last week.
Adelino Cordioli at the entrance of the fair in Lagos.
"Among the stands from all over the world, there were only four Italian companies present," says Adelino Cordioli of ADfruit from the province of Rovigo. It was a pleasure to see the curiosity expressed by visitors to an Italian stand, with appreciation for local fruit. I would like to thank for the visit of the manager of Ice in Lagos, Maurizio Ferri, who offered us support when needed."
The ADfruit stand at the fair.
Speaking of business, Cordioli says that "there are still few importers, but the ones that do exist are very interested. They don't have a well-structured organization yet, and up to now most of the fruit comes from South Africa or the northernmost states."
Cordioli with operators.
"We have experienced financial problems in order to be able to import, given the lack of foreign currency, such as dollars or euros. Among other things, in the last two years there has been a major currency devaluation, from an exchange rate of 1 euro = 440 naira in 2022 to 1650 naira in 2024, which certainly does not help imports".
Onions on display at a supermarket in Lagos.
"Nigeria's economy, and you can see it in Lagos, is two-speed: there are those who have a lot of purchasing power and those who struggle to eat every day. The wealthy go to the city's supermarkets, which have a lot of fruits and vegetables, almost all of which are imported from abroad."
Vending on the streets of Lagos.
"Instead, for most people," Cordioli continues, "the supply is on the streets, in the many kiosks or carts that display produce grown in the countryside.
In a supermarket.
"Nigeria, like other countries in Africa, could be an interesting new market in the future if there is political stability. In the meantime, we will try to develop the contacts we made at the fair, concludes the entrepreneur.
For more information: 
ADfruit
via Orlando Scavazza, 957-65
45020 Giacciano con Baruchella
(Rovigo) Italy
Tel.: +39 0425 50429
Email: [email protected]
www.adfruit.it