RK Growers (RKG), headquartered in Saluzzo with strategic operations in Genoa, Italy, is a global produce supplier and varietal developer specializing in the commercialization of high-value fruits and vegetables. With over 40 years of experience, RKG is one of Europe’s most innovative and globally integrated players in the fresh produce supply chain, offering year-round availability through global partnerships, exclusive variety rights, and proprietary fruit breeding programs.
Core Business
The core of RK Growers’ business model lies in:
- Varietal breeding and exclusive commercialization of premium fruit varieties
- Global sourcing and integrated supply chain management
- Export and distribution of Italian and imported fresh produce
- Strategic partnerships with breeders, producers, and retailers
The company serves as a crucial link between breeders, growers, and global retail markets, managing everything from variety licensing to quality control and global logistics.
Product and Service Offerings
RK Growers provides a wide portfolio of high-value and specialty fresh produce categories:
Fruits
- Apples: Ambrosia™, Gala, Red Delicious, Golden, Granny Smith
- Pears: Abbot, Williams (green & red), Saint Mary, Kaiser, Ercolini, Carmen
- Grapes: Exclusive distributor of ARRA™ seedless grape varieties (white, red, black)
- Kiwifruit: Green, yellow, and red-fleshed varieties (including Dorì™)
- Berries:
- Raspberries: Grandeur™, Radiance™
- Blackberries: Tupi™, Lookness™
- Blueberries: SEKOYA™ line
- Stone Fruits: Apricots (COT group), plums, pluots, climbers
- Peaches & Nectarines: Magique™ (white nectarine), flat Saturn peaches and nectarines
- Tropical Fruits: Papaya, mango, avocado, banana
- Melons & Citrus: Melon, oranges, lemons, limes, persimmons, strawberries
Vegetables
- Salad greens: Spinach, lettuce
- Nightshades: Tomato, aubergine, pepper
- Legumes & Root Veg: Peas, carrots, spring onions
- Specialty Vegetables: Courgette, artichoke, fennel, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, green beans
RK Growers not only distributes fruit but also commercializes exclusive plant varieties and assists growers worldwide in planting, production planning, and marketing strategies.
Specialization and USP
RK Growers is uniquely positioned in the European fruit landscape through:
- Exclusive rights to premium global varieties such as ARRA™ grapes and SEKOYA™ blueberries
- Breeder-backed innovation: Collaborates with SNFL (Special New Fruit Licensing), Dorian Fruits International, and other global breeding programs
- 12-month global supply model: By integrating sourcing from South America, Africa, and Oceania with Italian production
- Sustainability focus: Promotes low-residue varieties, sustainable farming methods, and carbon-efficient logistics
- Tailored Retail Programs: Offers custom packaging, traceability, and supply plans for European retailers
The company operates a fully integrated value chain that covers varietal development, grower support, quality monitoring, and distribution logistics.
Financials and Export Insights
Though privately held and without public financial disclosures, RK Growers’ operational scale is evident from trade and industry reports:
- Annual Volume Traded: Estimated over 70,000 metric tons of produce annually
- Varietal Licensing Network: 30+ grower-partners globally across Europe, Africa, South America
- Export Markets: Germany, UK, UAE, India, China, Canada, Spain, Scandinavia
- Key Distribution Channels: Retail supermarket chains (Carrefour, Lidl, Coop, Edeka), wholesalers, e-commerce platforms
- Supply Chain Model: Multi-origin sourcing from Italy, Peru, Chile, South Africa, Argentina, New Zealand
RK Growers maintains deep-rooted relationships with international grower networks and logistic partners for seamless year-round supply.
Target Market
RK Growers targets:
- European and international retail chains requiring consistent quality and exclusive varietals
- Wholesalers and distributors seeking high-value fruit with supply chain integrity
- Growers and licensees involved in collaborative varietal development
- Specialty food and e-commerce platforms focusing on unique and healthy produce lines
Their key value proposition is the ability to offer consistent quality, exclusive varietals, and technical support to growers and buyers alike.
Capabilities
- Varietal Innovation: Licensing and co-development of patented fruit varieties
- Global Sourcing: Coordinated supply from Europe, Africa, South America, Oceania
- Packaging and Logistics: Cold chain logistics, export-ready packaging lines
- Technical Support: Agronomic consulting and IP management for growers
- Retail Programs: Custom pack formats, QR-based traceability, shelf-life optimization
- Sustainability Audits: Integrated residue management and eco-certifications
RK Growers is more than a trader—it's an integrated varietal and supply chain manager for global fresh fruit commerce.
Certifications and Compliance
RK Growers ensures international standards compliance across all operations:
- GlobalG.A.P. Certified Grower Network
- GRASP Certification (social practice compliance)
- BRCGS and IFS for packaging facilities
- Zero Residue Initiatives for select retail programs
- Traceability Protocols using advanced product coding and digital records
- Sustainability Reporting under European agri-food initiatives
All partner growers and facilities undergo regular audits to ensure compliance with export standards.
Customer Testimonials
“RK Growers delivers consistent quality and variety exclusivity that is unmatched. Their SEKOYA™ blueberries and ARRA™ grapes are category leaders in our stores.”
— Produce Category Manager, German Supermarket Chain
“What stands out is their hands-on support. We’re not just buying fruit—we're partners in innovation.”
— Export Director, Spanish Grower-Exporter Cooperative
Major Achievements
- European market leader in ARRA™ grape commercialization
- Pioneered SEKOYA™ blueberry adoption in Italy and Spain
- Developed and launched Dorì™ yellow kiwi in retail chains across Europe
- Expanded global varietal licensing to 20+ countries
- Recognized at international trade fairs such as Fruit Attraction (Madrid), Fruit Logistica (Berlin), and Macfrut (Italy) for innovation and supply excellence
RK Growers continues to define the future of premium fruit trade through varietal innovation, global partnerships, and a data-driven approach to retail integration.
