Orsero and Trucco Form Joint Venture to Drive Growth in the North American Fresh Produce Market; Nick Pacia and Raffaella Orsero Comment

MILAN & NEW YORK - Orsero Group, a European leader in the import and distribution of fresh fruit and vegetables, and Trucco Group, one of the foremost distributors of fresh produce in the United States, are pleased to announce a strategic partnership that will position the businesses for growth in key markets and create significant operational efficiencies.

Orsero and Trucco have formalized a joint venture with Orsero investing in the share capital of Trucco, bringing together complementary strengths and a shared vision for long-term development in the North American fresh produce market.

Nick Pacia, owner and CEO of Trucco, will retain majority ownership and operational leadership of the company, ensuring full continuity of the commercial relationships, company culture, and industry expertise that have made Trucco a benchmark in U.S. fresh produce. The agreement reflects the shared ambition of both parties to deepen their commitment to the venture in the long term.

With locations in the Bronx, New York, and Vineland, New Jersey, Trucco Group markets and distributes a broad range of produce including kiwifruit, blueberries, citrus, cherries, garlic, chestnuts, and dried fruit. Orsero, a specialized distributor with extensive experience in high-value-added products, offers a range of complementary products that will expand Trucco's current portfolio. The companies will leverage those synergies to enhance their capabilities and provide new opportunities for customers.

Nick Pacia, Owner and CEO of Trucco, said in the recent release, “Trucco has built its success by prioritizing our customers and employees and making prudent decisions that drive long-term, sustainable growth. Orsero is the right partner to help us build on that foundation. Together, Trucco and Orsero can further our shared commitment to delivering top-quality produce through seamless procurement and distribution networks.”

“It was important to me that this partnership preserve what has made Trucco successful for generations - the leadership, relationships and commitment to excellence that our partners and employees have come to know and trust,” Pacia added. “I look forward to advancing our shared goals of expanding Trucco’s operations across the United States and Canada and broadening the products we can offer customers.”

A central element of the agreement is management continuity, with Nick Pacia remaining in his leadership roles. Meanwhile, Raffaella Orsero, Vice President and CEO of Orsero, and Matteo Colombini, CEO of Orsero, will join Trucco’s Board of Directors alongside Sasha LoPresti, Vice President of Trucco, and Nicholas Pacia, Director of Operations for Trucco.

Raffaella Orsero, Vice Chair and CEO, and Matteo Colombini, CEO of Orsero, said: "Today marks a historic moment for Orsero: for the first time, we are entering the United States, the world's largest and most dynamic consumer market for fresh fruit and vegetables. Orsero's investment in Trucco is a transformative milestone for the Group, as it opens the opportunity to establish a presence in a new geography that will play a fundamental role in our future growth journey. The United States is indeed an expanding market, rich in opportunities and commercial synergies, and characterized by growing demand for fresh produce."