North West, a company in the international forwarding and logistics sector, has reported how, after a 2024 and early 2025 period characterised by irregularities in logistic services, the outlook is better now and for the coming months, although the strengthening of the euro against the dollar is causing some difficulties in the overseas sales of fruit and vegetables.
"The landscape has completely changed compared to 2024: all destinations for apples, plums, and grapes are already operational, with shorter transit times and greatly improved connections," says Massimo Delpozzo, sales manager of Nord Ovest.
© Cristiano Riciputi | FreshPlaza.com
While duties are creating bureaucratic discomfort because there are no clear and uniform rules, companies are still seeking to expand into new markets. On this front, Delpozzo says that "Finding new outlets cannot just be a reaction to crises, because it requires time, motivation, and a solid strategy."
Despite the current complexities, the US remains a key market for Italian exports. "It is an economy that imports a lot. As long as there is demand for recognisable Italian products, exports will continue even in the presence of further duties."
On the other side of the world, i.e., Asia, the partial reopening of the Suez Canal has significantly reduced transit times. "Although not yet at full capacity, the Canal is operational and allows shipments in 20-25 days, as opposed to the 40-45 days needed via the Cape of Good Hope. This is a crucial difference for the transport of fresh fruit and vegetables, where speed is essential to preserve quality."
Thanks to more regular services, the planning of shipments has become more efficient. In particular, North West reports a positive trend towards the Middle East and Asia, where customer satisfaction is growing.
Connections with the United States and Central America are continuing without any problems, despite the exchange rate difficulties. "The weak dollar penalises exports, with an unfavourable differential of 12-13%. This exerts real pressure on the logistics chain. But this year the Italian product, especially apples, is of exceptional quality - it is one of the best years in recent times."
According to Delpozzo, the international context also plays in favour of Italian exports despite everything. The production difficulties in Turkey, caused by adverse climatic events, open up new spaces for the national product. The early kiwi season is already underway, while subsequent varieties will follow shortly. Tariffs remain stable, and services are reliable.
For more information:
Massimo Delpozzo
Nord Ovest Spa
Via Motorizzazione, 19
12100 Cuneo
+39 0171 415 600/615
[email protected]
www.nord-ovest.it
