"We are specialized in the production of avocados, a fast-growing niche in the Italian market. In Peru we cultivate 3,200 hectares, supplying both the fresh and processed markets. In 2023 the first 15 hectares of avocados that we have planted in the Brindisi area of Puglia (Italy) will come into production. The peculiarity is that this is the first planting covered with anti-hail nets to protect the fruit from climate change," said Piero Recchia, sales manager for Italy of the Peruvian company Viru S.A., producer of canned vegetables for both the fresh market and the third category segment.
Piero Recchia
Viru S.A. is a Peruvian company that has been a leading agro-industrial company for 30 years in the production of fruit and vegetables, both preserved and frozen. The Group is headquartered in Peru, from where it serves the main markets in the Americas. Over the years, it has optimized its logistics network by creating sales offices in Europe to better serve European and Asian markets with the foundation of Viru Iberia, Viru France and Viru Italy.
In recent years, the avocado market has grown by double digits in both the restaurant and retail sectors, with consumers of all age groups appreciating it. Thanks to its great versatility and high nutritional content, the avocado is a fruit that continues to gain popularity all over the world, especially among Millennials.
It is a fruit found on the shelves along with Italian and Mediterranean produce, from December to March, while products from Mexico and Peru - the world's first and third largest producers - close their sales campaign at the end of September. In addition to the fresh product, we market avocados in cream, frozen cubes, slices or cut in half,” explained Piero Recchia.
"The Peruvian avocado, which ripens close to the coast has noble characteristics, as it ripens slowly thanks to the optimal microclimate, with mild and constant temperatures. The Hass avocado variety is by far the most popular and appreciated fruit by consumers in Western European markets. The year 2023 will be an important year, because we will have the first harvest from the Apulian plantations, carried out by Peruvian workers specialized in this crop, which will be followed by other plants - also located in the Brindisi area - with the aim of reaching a total of 700 hectares. At the moment, the market for the Viru brand of frozen avocados in Italy is growing, especially in the food service channels, with large 1-kg bags and in the retail channel with 250-gram formats,” said Piero Recchia.
For more information: 
Piero Recchia
Viru Italia Srl
Via Grotte, 7
70013 Castellana Grotte (BA)
+39 080 490 9814
+39 335 532 9120
viru@viruitalia.com
www.viru.com.pe