FreshPlaza contacted Vignali Trasporti, a leading logistic provider, to talk about the situation after the pandemic.
Fabio Vignali, CEO of all companies part of Gruppo Vignali, reports that "we are dealing with the consequences of the restrictions put in place during the quarantine. While transport and distribution trends were above the norm with interesting increases in volumes during Phase 1, things have worsened during Phase 2."
"Other factors, like the frost in early April, have meant volumes are low, putting our related activities in difficulty as well. Just think that May and June were characterized by a drop in volumes of 18 and 20% respectively."
Over the past 10 years, the fresh produce sector, and therefore also the logistic sector, has changed in such a way that all the rules when it comes to seasonality and work habits no longer apply. It is no longer possible to plan volumes, not even in the short term.
"It seems like we are taking part in a sort of Russian roulette. Thankfully, the strategic choices we made over the past few years enabled us to safeguard our companies and all those who work there."
It is a known fact that Gruppo Vignali does not only deal with the transport and distribution of fresh produce. "In 2011, a leading Italian food group decided to open a branch at our platform, for which we needed to make available competent and suitably trained personnel to perform picking and order preparation activities. We have since received requests from other leading companies that required our services."
"Our facilities are now home to six companies part of the main distribution chains. Around 100 trucks delivering food products to the H&R segment as well as to numerous private buyers depart from the Vignali platforms each day."
"Had we not made certain choices, we would not be in this position. Many may think this is simplistic, but I can assure you that there were some intense and uncertain times."
Contacts:
Vignali Trasporti
Via Tratturo, 415
47032 Bertinoro FC
Tel.: +39 0543 463411
Email: commerciale@vignalitrasporti.it
Website: www.vignalitrasporti.it