Manifesto of European Wholesalers signed

Wholesale entrepreneurs are preparing to face new challenges by establishing common goals and strengthening teamwork at European level. At Macfrut, a first step was made in this direction, when Fedagromercati (National Federation of Fruit and Vegetable Wholesalers), COEMFE (confederation of Spanish wholesalers) and UNCGFL (union of French wholesalers) signed the European Wholesalers Manifesto during the conference “The challenge of Wholesale Markets in the new European distribution scenario: a debate about models”.

Several key topics, the ones contained in the Manifesto, were addressed by Valentino Di Pisa, president of Fedagromercati Nazionale: ‘Market renewal, new working hours switching from night shifts to day shifts, development of urban logistics, internationalisation, development of a quality brand at European level, new relationships with other players in the supply chain, and partnerships in the sector for presenting European projects. We will bring these matters to the attention of national and European institutions.’

Claudio Scalise (SG Marketing) explained that dynamics have changed in the last few years, and that wholesalers will have to adapt their services and logistics to be able to compete with large-scale retailers and exploit the opportunities offered by e-commerce and smaller retailers.

A round table discussion was then held between Yves Mustel, Managing Director of UNCGFL, Andrés Suárez, president of COEMFE, and Fabio Pallottini, president of Italmercati.