Spreafico's headquarters are located in Dolzago (Lombardy), but the company also has branches in Emilia Romagna, Lazio and Tuscany as well as stands in the main Italian wholesale markets (Milan, Bologna and Verona).
Spreafico's headquarters in Dolzago.
The facility has been completely renewed after a devastating fire in early 2012. The structure now covers 15 thousand square metres on two floors - the ground floor is dedicated to processing whereas the offices are located on the first floor.
The offices.
The fact that all 18 loading ramps are operative is a testimony to the busy schedule of the company, and it could not be otherwise, especially considering the vast assortment of fruit and vegetables and the high number of suppliers and clients it works with. Produce is destined to supermarkets, ship catering, wholesale markets and local retailers.
The produce destined to wholesale markets.
Exotic-ethnic category manager Claudio Scandella showed us around the various ripening, stocking, sorting, packaging and shipment sections. The warehouse is equipped with air conditioning throughout to maintain the produce in the best state possible.
One of the warehouse units.
There is a whole wing dedicated to the fresh-cut range - from fruit salads, to coconut down to pomegranates, papayas, mangos and pineapples.
Fresh-fruit salads.
The range is sold under the Vitamia brand and it is preservative and brine-free. In summer, the facility processes over 10 thousand bowls a day which is quite remarkable, especially considering most of the work is done by hand!
Pomegranate arils.
Spreafico is also one of the main banana ripeners in Italy - the crates are stacked in special units and the temperature/atmosphere is adjusted to favour ripening.
Above: banana ripening units. Below: Bananito baby-bananas (Musa acuminata).
The company spirit
Spreafico employs over a thousand people. "Our personnel is highly skilled - we have invested a lot over the years despite the crisis and we have people who have been working for us for a long time.".
Order processing area.
The relationship is the same with its suppliers, even if they are located on the other side of the world and despite the high number of products handled - Spreafico maintains total control on the management of the produce directly from the place of origin.
Lorries being loaded.
"We do not like to brag. We are focused on our work and do not believe it takes something exceptional to do well. Though it does take years to make it in this sector, as it is very complex and requires continuous attention."
Contacts:
Spreafico Francesco & F.lli S.p.A.
Via C. Lombroso, 54
20137 Milano
Tel.: (+39) 0532 316411
Fax: (+39) 0532 316430
E-mail: info@spreafico.net
Web: www.spreafico.net
Author: Rossella Gigli
Copyright: www.freshplaza.it