Dole has indicated that its expansion in central and Eastern Europe will follow its strategy in Romania, where the US fresh produce giant recently took direct control of distribution through the acquisition of local partner Distrifrut.
“We operate in most countries of the CEE, although not always directly. Over time, Dole will enter these countries in a similar way as the way we are entering Romania today,” Sylvain Cuperlier, Dole vice president, told just-food.
Distrifrut has distributed Dole’s branded products in Romania since the US fruit company entered the market in the early 1990s. The acquisition will see Dole take direct control of the company from its founder Fadi Nahas.
In what it described as a “milestone” acquisition, Dole will take a 25% share of the Romanian fruit market.
“The main competitive advantage for Dole will be to extend its presence in Europe and provide our customers in Romania with the support of an international organisation, which will offer them a wider range of products,” Cuperlier said.
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By GlobalDataAccording to Cuperlier, Dole intends to grow its market share in Romania and offer wider product range.
“It is our objective to provide Romanian customers with a wider range of products. It is also our goal to increase our market share in Romania, by capitalising, not only on our high brand recognition in the country, but also on our expertise to provide top quality products together with outstanding services,” he revealed.
