In the five years from its launch in 2018 up to 2023, the maritime catering business unit will see an increase of +65%. Its growth will be particularly significant between 2022 and 2023, at +31%: these results have positioned and established it among the leading players on the European cruise market.
The number of cruise passengers in Europe is growing steadily, and 90% of guests say they would like to take another cruise. Forecasts for 2024 are encouraging. It is estimated that the number of passengers could exceed the figure recorded in 2019, with particularly strong performance in Italy. (Source: CLIA – Cruise Lines International Association).
In keeping with Conor’s mission, its dedicated maritime business unit selects and distributes fresh fruit and vegetables, while always managing and monitoring the entire supply chain: from planting to product customization to port delivery. In addition to maintaining the cold chain, its hallmark services include on-board assistance, continuous tracking and tracing, and dedicated customer service, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Logistics network for maritime distribution: 30 ports served, more than 400 agribusiness references
The maritime business unit currently serves 30 ports in Italy and Europe, providing a highly specialized and customized service for all types of vessels used in the cruise market and the maritime industry in general: from luxury charter yachts to large ships with over 6,000 passengers, as well as merchant ships, ferries and offshore mining platforms.
At the heart of its offering is a wide range of over 400 products - available year-round - including conventional and organic fruits and vegetables, fresh or cooked packaged and ready-to-eat fruits and vegetables, as well as microgreens, foliage, seaweed and edible flowers. Over the years, this dedicated import business unit has helped to expand the product line and ensure a high level of specialization in exotic and highly exotic products, providing a unique and personalized experience on board.
“As a dedicated maritime business unit, we started in 2018 and were almost immediately hit by a crisis due to the years of pandemic. Today, the scenario is completely different and growing exponentially. To get an idea of the current performance of the sector, consider that orders for new cruise ships are now delayed until 2027. We are passionate about this sector, and we are very happy with it; we are growing non-stop, and we are incredibly motivated to look to the future with a view to further improving efficiency and development. Our presence in Genoa is proof of this. We are monitoring and analyzing all the needs of maritime catering, constantly listening to and studying the various needs of our customers, both in terms of products and services. Having real product knowledge is one of our core values and I would say one of the keys to our success, thanks to our affiliation with the Agribologna Group”, explains Dario Guidi, Conor’s Sales Director.
In order to guarantee food safety and fresh, high quality products throughout Italy, Conor came up with the pioneering idea of creating a logistics network consisting of 21 major platforms throughout the country, strategically located near the main Italian ports and airports.
Thanks to this maritime logistics network, which also extends to Europe, the company can guarantee a geolocalized door-to-door refrigerated delivery service that maintains the cold chain and product quality until the goods are loaded on board, with a special focus on the use of increasingly sustainable materials and constant safety checks.
“Our challenge in the maritime catering sector is to start from the source of the products, identifying the best production areas, in line with the latest agricultural technologies, up to the selection of the most appropriate raw materials for each type of customer and their requirements. We meet these requirements, which can vary greatly depending on the country markets, the class and size of the boats, to name just a few of the variables that come into play. This is one of the reasons why we are in daily contact with manufacturers and our customers. It is a very challenging and complex market that we approach with enthusiasm and passion. We look to the future, strengthened by our specialization, our expertise and our desire to innovate”, said Andrea Agostinetto, the Conor Cruise Unit Sales Manager.