In a landmark move for the global fresh produce industry, the Orsero Group—a major Italian player in fruit and vegetable import and distribution—has finalized a strategic joint venture with Trucco Group, a leading distributor in the United States. This partnership marks Orsero’s official entry into the North American market, signaling a major shift in the company’s international expansion strategy.
Under the terms of the agreement, Orsero has acquired a stake in Trucco, while Nick Pacia, owner and CEO of the US firm, will maintain majority control and operational leadership. This structure is designed to ensure seamless continuity, preserving the corporate culture and the deep-rooted commercial relationships that have established Trucco as a key player in the US produce sector since its founding in 1937.
Synergies and growth opportunities
The collaboration aims to combine Orsero’s expertise in high-value produce and integrated supply chains with Trucco’s robust distribution network, which includes state-of-the-art climate-controlled facilities in New Jersey and New York. The synergy between the two groups is expected to broaden the current product portfolio—which includes kiwis, blueberries, citrus, and chestnuts—and streamline procurement across North America.
Management continuity and future outlook
To reinforce the partnership, the governance of Trucco will be bolstered by the addition of Raffaella Orsero (Vice Chair and CEO of Orsero) and Matteo Colombini (CEO of Orsero) to the Board of Directors. For the Italian group, this investment is a transformative milestone. “The United States represents an expanding market, rich in commercial synergies and characterized by a growing demand for fresh, premium products,” stated Raffaella Orsero and Matteo Colombini.
As both companies look to the future, they plan to focus on scaling operations in the US and Canada, leveraging their combined logistics capabilities to ensure a consistent, year-round supply of high-quality fresh fruits and vegetables to retailers and foodservice providers alike.