CSO Italy (Centro Servizi Ortofrutticoli) is Italy’s leading service center for the fruit and vegetable sector, acting as a strategic consortium that brings together producers, cooperatives, exporters, and key players across the Italian agri-food chain. Headquartered in Ferrara, CSO Italy provides technical, commercial, marketing, and internationalization services to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of Italian fruit and vegetable companies in global markets.
Brief History
Founded in 1998 as a cooperative initiative, CSO Italy was established with the support of both public and private institutions, including the Emilia-Romagna Region, to improve collaboration and service delivery across the horticultural supply chain. Over the last 25 years, CSO has grown into a central reference point for Italian fruit and vegetable companies, combining technical excellence with policy advocacy, research, and market development.
Core Business
CSO Italy’s mission is to support and strengthen the Italian fruit and vegetable sector through a comprehensive range of services that include:
- Phytosanitary consultancy and market access assistance
- Agronomic and technical advisory
- Statistical and market research
- Trade fair and export promotion support
- Sustainability and innovation projects
- Training, digitalization, and consumer education campaigns
Its members include more than 70 entities: producer organizations, cooperatives, large-scale retailers, logistics firms, exporters, and research institutions.
Services and Solutions Offered
1. Phytosanitary Market Access
- Provides full support for overcoming phytosanitary barriers to export.
- Assists in compiling technical dossiers and coordinating official inspections for non-EU market entry (e.g., China, USA, South Korea).
- Has enabled access to 15+ new markets for Italian products in the last decade.
2. Statistical & Market Intelligence
- Publishes regular reports on production trends, export volumes, price fluctuations, and consumer behavior.
- Manages proprietary data platforms used by over 200 stakeholders annually.
- Supports sector planning with insights on over 40 product categories.
3. Promotion & Trade Shows
- Coordinates Italian pavilions at international trade fairs including Fruit Logistica, Asia Fruit Logistica, Macfrut, and Fruit Attraction.
- Organizes B2B meetings and inbound buyer missions.
- Partners with ITA (Italian Trade Agency) and MIPAAF for co-branded events.
4. R&D and Innovation
- Leads EU-funded innovation projects (e.g., LIFE, Horizon 2020) focused on:
- Sustainability
- Zero-residue production
- Circular economy applications in agri-food
5. Sustainability & Certification
- Supports members in achieving GlobalG.A.P., GRASP, IFS, and Organic certification.
- Promotes biodiversity protection and carbon footprint reduction initiatives.
Specialization and Core USP
CSO Italy’s uniqueness lies in its ecosystem-wide approach and ability to serve as a bridge between the public and private sectors. Its technical team includes agronomists, economists, phytosanitary experts, and marketing professionals.
Key advantages include:
- Direct access to Italian producers and exporters
- Trusted advisor to ministries and regulatory authorities
- Rich statistical databases updated in real-time
- Neutral and member-focused governance model
Financial and Operational Overview
As a cooperative non-profit entity, CSO Italy reinvests all proceeds into sectoral development and member services.
- Members: 70+ (including Apofruit, Alegra, Conserve Italia, Almaverde Bio)
- Annual Budget: Estimated EUR 2.5–3.5 million
- Projects Managed: Over 50 EU/national-funded initiatives since inception
- Service Reach: Covers over 60% of Italy’s fresh fruit and vegetable volume via members
Market and Trade Engagement
- Actively involved in negotiations and technical documentation for opening markets in China, Taiwan, South Korea, USA, Canada, Mexico, and India for apples, kiwis, citrus, pears, and stone fruit.
- Collaborates with ICE–Italian Trade Agency, Freshfel Europe, and the European Commission on trade policy and export development.
Target Market
- Member organizations (producers, PO, exporters)
- Governmental and institutional stakeholders
- International importers and distribution networks
- Trade associations and research bodies
Capabilities
- Phytosanitary dossier preparation
- Market access strategy and bilateral negotiations
- Research-based advocacy for EU policies
- Customized statistical dashboards and price trend tools
- Event and trade mission logistics
Certifications and Institutional Standing
- Recognized by MIPAAF (Italian Ministry of Agriculture) as a strategic partner
- Accredited coordinator of EU Promotion Projects (Reg. 1144/2014)
- Full member of Freshfel Europe, AREFLH, and other international bodies
Customer & Member Testimonials
"CSO Italy’s support was decisive in enabling our kiwi exports to new Asian markets. Their technical team navigated every complexity with precision."
— Export Manager, Leading Fruit Cooperative
"The statistical dashboards and predictive tools from CSO are integral to our market planning. Their neutrality and depth of knowledge are unmatched."
— Director of Planning, National Retail Chain
Major Achievements
- Instrumental in securing Italian apple and pear access to China, Vietnam, and South Korea
- Coordinated Italy’s first EU Promotion Campaign in Gulf Countries and India
- Developed the “Ortofrutta d’Italia” brand for domestic consumer awareness
- Initiated the Zero Residue Certification Project in collaboration with EU partners
- Featured as a best practice in the EU Agri-Food Promotion Evaluation Report
CSO Italy continues to serve as the strategic backbone of Italy’s fruit and vegetable sector, empowering its members with tools, knowledge, and market access that ensure growth, sustainability, and global relevance.