"Some may see it as a gamble, but the business with countries like Libya, Egypt and Jordan is going well. We even opened an office in Tunisia. It's been almost 5 years since we started working with North Africa. We sell mostly apples, pears, kiwis and table grapes."
Many make a face at the mention of North Africa, but we are optimistic. "Of course, you need to be careful. We always ask for a down payment. We do work with trusted contact people, but it doesn't mean we don't ask for a deposit. If the guarantees are not all in place, we don't ship the containers."
Patrizio Destro and Maria Crestani (Financial Manager)
Another stereotype concerns quality. "Don't think that we're sending poor-quality products. They demand high-quality fruit. Apples, for example, need to have an excellent appearance and flavour. Over the past few years, because of the currency depreciation, Egyptian consumers find it difficult to make purchases."
Most of the apples sold in North Africa are cultivated in the Czech Republic, where Bissolo also owns 25 hectares of cherry orchards.