On 16 April, Chiquita's largest European ripening facility was inaugurated at the GI.MA.TRANS logistics center in Cortenuova, in the province of Bergamo, Italy. The event was attended by the Provincial Councilor, Massimo Cocchi, and the company's industrial partners and customers.
"The inauguration of the new ripening facility is a testament to our commitment to innovation, quality and sustainability in the banana distribution sector. Strategically located in the logistical heart of Italy, this facility is a key pillar in delivering on our promise of excellence to consumers and supporting all our existing trading partners in the industry," said Joop in 't Veen, Ripening & EME Transport Manager at Chiquita.
Pictured on the right: GI.MA.TRANS CEO Stefano Quarti with Chiquita Italy Sales Manager Romano Costabile
The distribution center has 24 double-level 48 pallet ripening cells, 2 packaging lines producing up to 45 trays/minute and storage capacity. The cells use the latest refrigeration technology to ensure an efficient reduction in temperature with a minimum of dehumidification of the internal air, thus guaranteeing optimum ripening conditions.
Packaging operations are carried out in a temperature-controlled area in order to maintain the best possible conditions for the bananas. With docks on both sides of the facility, Chiquita has designed the best possible flow of daily operations to create a safe and efficient working environment.
"We are proud to say that Chiquita has chosen GI.MA.TRANS as their facility supplier to open their first ripening center in Italy. Thanks to our 30 years of experience, we understand the needs of the fruit and vegetable sector and large retailers and are always ready to provide the flexibility required by this sector, guaranteeing high standards in line with Chiquita's product quality. By dedicating this 15,000 m2 warehouse in Cortenuova to the ripening of bananas, we are not only ready to meet the specific needs of the product, but also to implement and extend this collaboration to temperature-controlled transportation," says CEO of GI.MA.TRANS Stefano Quarti.
Chiquita's new ripening facility will strengthen the logistics and distribution of its branded bananas in Italy. It will also bring significant benefits to the local economy through the creation of new job opportunities and the development of sustainable industrial practices aimed at reducing environmental impact and promoting a healthy lifestyle.