FreshPlaza talked to President Carmine Giordano (in the photo below) about the facility.
Revamping is the key word that describes not only CAAN's future but also the work carried out so far by a young administration (Giordano and his 12 collaborators are all under 40!). "We tried to finally implement a project made almost 20 years ago to build entrance and exit ramps. They should be ready by the end of 2017. Then we can focus on the ramp from CAAN to to the Strada Provinciale. Building these infrastructures not only improves the logistics, but makes operations safer for those who work at night-time."
Talking about safety, a couple of years ago, CAAN installed a video-surveillance system and, with the help of the police force, thefts and robberies have considerably dropped. "We also have armed and unarmed security but, considering the many people in the market, it is not enough."
Inside the gallery.
"Our access system works very well, our services improved considerably. Although it is not very old, however, the facility is starting to show its age and is affected by a few defects dating back to when it was first designed. The fresh produce gallery lacks proper covering, which is not ideal when operators are working at night in winter. In addition, as there are no internal cold storage units, we are trying to shift things around to make room for them, though we have just made a few hypotheses so far."
As regards the request of a few operators to keep the market open during the day, Giordano confirms his previous comments. "A few operators expressed their interest in changing opening times, at least in winter. Nothing has changed so far. I had asked for a document signed by the majority of operators to meet their demand, but I haven't seen it yet. We can't be the ones to change opening times and impose a change."
Giordano says he is in favour of changing opening times for safety reasons, to lower costs ("energy consumption would be lower") and for an improved quality of life.
Inside the gallery.
"At the start of my presidency, there were a few moments of crisis with the wholesalers, but now our coexistence is rather peaceful. I am fully available to change opening times: if the majority of wholesalers want to work during the day, we will be more than happy to meet their demand. But they need to submit their request first."
Wholesale activities
There are companies working with partners abroad, especially in South America and by air. "CAAN tried to establish business relationships with countries in North Africa and in the Mediterranean such as Morocco and Libya. So far, though, there are no agreements between these nations and our Centre."
According to Giordano, what's missing is unity between operators. "We need to work together to improve. I believe markets like these will have to change - they can no longer be a display of 80-90 single companies selling more or less the same stuff. Wholesale markets make sense when prices are stable, when there is no competition between boxes."
The fresh produce gallery.
The cold temperatures at the start of the year affected CAAN too. "The price of some products increased by 200%. Most of our companies receive their produce from Puglia and Calabria, which were particularly hit by the cold temperatures and snow. In addition, we had logistics problems."
The fresh produce gallery.
The cold temperatures at the start of the year affected CAAN too. "The price of some products increased by 200%. Most of our companies receive their produce from Puglia and Calabria, which were particularly hit by the cold temperatures and snow. In addition, we had logistics problems."
Giordano believes the problems are not over. "What had already been harvested was hard to deliver, but what was damaged by frost and was supposed to be harvested now won't probably be available. We may have to buy some produce abroad, otherwise we risk not having enough."
All utilities are available (phone and Internet included) upon payment of a monthly fee. "Initially, not everyone agreed with having Internet, especially the older generations, but now everyone's using it."
#nonchiamatelomercato and "yes, we CAAN"
"We are trying to explain what we do. The#nonchiamatelomercato hashtag (don't call it a market) was created because those who don't know it think it's a farmer's market, while it actually covers 360 thousand square metres. In addition to fresh produce, there are areas dedicated to fish and meat, logistics, offices, cash & carry, congress hall, car parks, paths and courtyards. That's why we also modified Obama's famous motto in yes, we CAAN".
The Centre also has its Facebook page, which now counts over 850 members. "I don't know how many of them are CAAN operators, but what I do know is that we need to communicate more. The Centre was reborn since it almost closed down in August 2016. We cannot give up because... yes, we CAAN!".
For further information:
C.A.A.N.
Via Palazziello
Località Lufrano - Volla (NA)
Tel.: (+39) 081 5777200
Fax: (+39) 081 5777201
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.caan.it
