IFCO, a global provider of reusable packaging for fresh food, has expanded its logistics operations in Southern Italy with new hubs in Puglia, Lazio, and Sicily. The expansion aims to improve the availability of reusable packaging containers (RPCs) for local growers and strengthen supply chain efficiency during harvest periods.
The company already operates several facilities in the region, including transit points in Catania (Sicily), a washing centre in Calabria near Catanzaro, and depots between Naples and Salerno in Campania. The new hubs extend IFCO's capacity in areas that play a central role in Italy's fruit and vegetable exports.
© IFCO
According to Francesca Amadei, Vice President Southern Europe at IFCO, regions such as Sicily, Puglia, Campania, and Lazio are key agricultural zones for European and international markets. The company's expansion in these areas focuses on improving logistics reliability and packaging availability for producers supplying domestic and export markets.
Regional hubs
In Puglia, IFCO has operated a depot in Polignano a Mare, south of Bari, since 2024. The location supports the movement of crops such as cherries, grapes, peaches, watermelons, and cherry tomatoes.
In Lazio, the new hub launched in August 2025 to improve access to RPCs for local producers and facilitate deliveries to Sardinia, where maritime transport has traditionally posed logistical challenges.
In Sicily, IFCO relocated its operations to a new depot in Scordia (Catania province) in September 2025. The facility is located on main transport routes and within the island's citrus production area, allowing faster crate access and improved logistics coordination during peak harvests.
Focus on logistics efficiency and sustainability
The expanded infrastructure is intended to streamline regional transport routes and reduce empty mileage through closer cooperation with local logistics partners. The initiative aligns with efforts to lower emissions and improve resource efficiency in the fresh produce supply chain.
© IFCO
IFCO operates a global pooling system for reusable packaging, in which crates are collected, washed, and reused after each cycle. According to the company, this system is designed to reduce waste and improve transport efficiency compared to single-use packaging.
Amadei said the broader logistics network allows the company to stay closer to producers and respond more effectively to harvest cycles while supporting sustainable transport and packaging practices.
© IFCOFor more information:
IFCO
Tel: +39 (0) 2 0062 4622
Email: [email protected]
www.ifco.com
