"We, the company's members, have had almost thirty years' experience at renowned horticultural firms; a period during which we have built a good client portfolio both in the wholesaler and large distribution markets, where they trust our expertise and know how," explains Eduardo, who assures that "in a sector like this, if you don't have a wide experience you are almost guaranteed to fail."
"We are supported by a group of top producers and fruit and vegetable processors who have got involved in the project, and we have signed partnership agreements with logistics operators that guarantee an adequate service with all shipping formats."
The campaigns cannot be fully planned in the horticultural sector, which is why Eduardo affirms that "situations constantly take place in which flexibility is needed to meet the chains' needs, which they lack, and that is where we come in. We are not a new trading company, but a firm offering solutions to retailers."
Being a small company entails having to minimise costs, "nothing comparable to the infrastructural costs of the much larger firms within the sector," says Eduardo.
"We make use of the technology currently available to us on mobile devices and terminals with access to the Internet, Skype, social media, etc., which allows us to maintain high standards of service while keeping very low margins. This way, both IMG and the retailers can obtain more interesting prices. Growers nowadays have to bear most of the production costs with increasingly shrinking profits."
The producers associated to IMG own modern, certified plantations where all varieties, from the earliest to the latest, are grown. "This makes it possible for us to supply during the most part of the various campaigns. The product range includes stone and top fruit, grapes, citrus, kiwis and even all kinds of vegetables."
The stonefruit season will not take long to start and this is a great opportunity for IMG to meet one of its first goals: entering the French, Italian, Dutch, German and Portuguese markets, with a particular emphasis on the latter. "Many believe that Portugal has a small and outdated distribution sector, but in my experience, after many years working with that market, I can assure that its chains have the same demands in terms of quality, food safety and certifications as any other European chain. Prices are similar, although there is certainly room for improvement when it comes to the logistics services between Portugal and Spain," states Eduardo.
"This month of April, the stonefruit season will kick off. We expect large production volumes and fruit of a really good quality."
For more information:
Eduardo Costa
IMG International Med Growers S.l.
T: +34 627958600
Skype: educosta.67
imgrowers@gmail.com