A global market, yet one strongly oriented towards CIS nations. Omar Papi, CEO of Futura srl, which deals with fruit and vegetable graders, illustrates his company's strategies for the Italian and foreign markets, inviting guests over to the stand at Fruit Logistica.
"2023 was a very positive year for our company, as the turnover increased by 20% compared with 2022. We mainly worked with Spain, Greece, and Romania in Europe, plus Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Egypt, Iran, India, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, UAE, and KSA outside the EU (where most of our turnover comes from)."
Leonardo Papi (sales manager for Italy) and Omar Papi: passion that runs in the family!
From Asia to the Middle East
Futura's sales policies are well-rooted in all CIS countries through the direct office in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from where the company also manages after-sales assistance. "We have been there for over 5 years, although Covid and the crisis between Russia and Ukraine affected our trend over the past few years. We have gained good credibility thanks to our continuity and to the various systems installed in at least 6-7 countries in the area."
Futura also focuses on the UAE and mostly KSA, which are now starting to look for grading and packaging solutions. "Considering our size, we can follow many areas suitably and properly. We would not want to renounce one of the characteristics that characterize us, i.e., the fact that we dedicate the utmost attention to our clients, from the identification of their needs down to installation and personnel training. We want our clients to always feel like they are in good hands."
The situation of logistics is worrying
As for the current logistics situation, the manager reports that "we are not currently facing particular problems, although the situation in the Middle East is increasingly worrying. This will lead to a considerable increase in leases and insurance prices, which will in turn affect components."
Vegetable sorters
" A couple of years ago, we decided to widen our strategies to include the grading and packaging of vegetables grown in greenhouses. I am talking in particular about tomatoes, bell peppers, eggplants, and cucumbers. These products are currently being produced in 'new' areas as well, such as the UAE and KSA. In 2023, these products represented almost 20% of our turnover. Other important products are apples, peaches, apricots, and avocados."
Italian market
For what concerns the Italian market, Futura reports that: "Traditionally, the turnover we make does not exceed 10%, and it mainly comes from the center and south of the country. The domestic market has indeed been rather lively over the past 2-3 years, as the incentives planned as part of operating plans and the Industry 4.0 program have led to many investments. I believe 2024 will slightly 'suffer' due to lower investments."
The Berlin event remains very important for Futura. "We manage to meet all our collaborators from various countries who in turn invite their clients. We truly believe that face-to-face meetings are essential in our world: a good handshake helps much more than any video call! To achieve the best results during an event, suitable pre-fair activities are important. Our entire team will be pleased to welcome you at our stand in Hall 1.1/Stand B-42."
For more information:
Futura s.r.l.
Via R. Mattioli, 136/156
47522 Cesena (FC) - Italy
Tel.: +39 0547 632749
[email protected]
www.futura-grading.com