"Ever since mangos were introduced in Italy, consumers required produce that was ready-to-eat (restaurants in particular). That is why produce shipped by air is being much more successful than that shipped via sea".
Spreafico fruit arrives from various places: as regards shipments via sea, avocados come from Israel, South Africa and Perù and mangos (Tommy or Kent) come from Brazil, Mexico and Perù. Papayas, mini-bananas and Kent or Keit mangos only arrive by air.
"We are equipped with ripening units for all these products. We do not use gas, but only the right temperature. It is not a process you can improvise, experience and accuracy is needed."
Air transport makes the whole process easier when it comes to the right ripening stage. "We can decide exactly when to detach fruit, so clients buy a product that has been harvested shortly before. Of course the price is higher, but those who care about the organoleptic qualities of these products are willing to pay more."
Mangos that arrive by air come from a variety of places - Brazil, Perù, Mexico, Santo Domingo, Senegal, Mali and Ivory Coast. "This in turn means the fruits we sell are always in season and with the perfect organoleptic qualities."
"Our papayas also arrive by air many times a week, so they do not go into ripening units. We decide how ripe we want the fruit to be depending on the needs of the sales channel."
"Usually, these fruits are identified with a par avion sticker and are packed in clamshells or other types of packaging to preserve their quality. Anyway, the price is still the best way to identify them."
Spreafico receives mini-bananas, mangos, papayas and other tropical fruit weekly.
Contacts:
Claudio Scandella
Category Manager esotico-etnico
SPREAFICO FRANCESCO & F.LLI SPA
Cell. +39 348 2506928
Email: claudio.scandella@spreafico.net
Skype: claudio_scandella