+357 22 876 460 / fresca@cytanet.com.cy
Fresca Milestones
Our narrative began in the 1970s when our founder, John Symeonides, embarked on his journey in the fruit and vegetable export sector. At that time, he served as the export director for the Cyprus National Cooperative Farmers Union, playing a pivotal role in the exportation of a significant portion of majority of Cyprus's fruits and vegetables to the UK, Scandinavia, Continental Europe, and the Gulf region. With the deregulation of the fruit and vegetable industry in Cyprus during the 1990s, the opportunity arose to establish Fresca. This new private venture was not only aimed at continuing the export of Cyprus citrus and potatoes but also at broadening our horizons by importing fruits into Cyprus. Moreover, leveraging the extensive knowledge and network of our founder, Fresca set out to source products from emerging agricultural powerhouses, such as China, Egypt, and South America, to cater to our well-established client base.
Fresca remains at the forefront of promoting and exporting agricultural products from Cyprus to the global market. Furthermore, the company has played a crucial role in the marketing of various items. In the 2000s, we collaborated intimately with our growers in mainland China to develop packaged Fuji apples and pears that meet European specifications. This initiative also involved the creation of open-top carton display trays, tailored specifically for supermarket requirements.
In addition to these innovations, it was essential for our products to adhere to GLOBALG.A.P. standards and comply with Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) specifications, ensuring seamless alignment with retail market expectations. This commitment to quality and safety was particularly groundbreaking during that period, as such standards were not commonly implemented in that region at the time. This pioneering approach, which might seem standard today, was a significant advancement for the industry during that era.
Fresca is likely to be recognized as the first private Cypriot company to have exported Cyprus red soil potatoes immediately following the cessation of the government's monopoly on exports in 2004. This bold move marked a significant milestone, positioning Fresca at the forefront of the industry as one of the first in the international trade of this prized agricultural product.
Building on our extensive three-decade experience with Cyprus table grapes, in 2001, we expanded our horizons by collaborating with our growers in Egypt. During the months of May and June, we successfully introduced the Egyptian table grapes to supermarket chains throughout Europe, utilizing our deep knowledge and longstanding industry relationships to ensure a smooth and successful market entry. Successfully moving large volumes for our growers.
Expanding into Organic Dry Ginger Since 2003
Beginning in 2003, Fresca ventured into the realm of dry ginger, embracing a commitment to organic produce. By 2005, this commitment had fully materialized, with all our ginger supplies being sourced organically, initially from China, and subsequently expanding to include reputable suppliers from Peru and Brazil. This strategic diversification not only broadened our product portfolio but also reinforced our dedication to sustainable and organic agricultural practices.
