Vanguard, RK Growers form strategic partnership
International leaders in fresh produce, Vanguard International and RK Growers have entered into a strategic partnership to continue to grow their businesses globally.
RK Growers will operate as Vanguard’s procurement office for all European produced products, and Vanguard will provide RK Growers marketing, sales and distribution into Asia.
With headquarters in Italy, RKG imports, researches, selects, grows and markets new cultivar varieties exclusively in the European market. RKG supplies its products to the leading markets and supermarket chains globally. RKG’s product scope includes fresh fruits, vegetables, dried fruits and wine.
“RKG and Vanguard hold similar values and share an overarching mission to provide top-quality products to the global market 52 weeks a year and as such this partnership is a strategic alliance to ensure we continue to do just that,” said Craig Stauffer, CEO of Vanguard International Group. “RKG is a leader in Europe and this agreement helps us strengthen our supply base year-round in this important region.”
Paolo Carissimo, president of RK Growers, said the venture would accelerate its growth in Asia. “Vanguard has a long reputation of being a leader in fostering long standing relationships with industry leaders across the Asian markets, and it is with this experience and knowledge that we are eager to work together to support our mutual growth in this important region.”
Through this strategic partnership Vanguard International and RK Growers combine their collective 50 years of experience in the fresh fruit industry to serve global customers effectively with the freshest produce reliably delivered when they want it.
