Italian fresh produce retailer Banco Fresco plans to open six new stores during 2021, ten more in 2022, and double its network by 2023, according to a report in the Italian daily Il Sole 24 Ore.
The ambitious plans follow a successful test in the Piedmont region, with the opening of two stores in Turin and Beinasco.
Established in 2017, Banco Fresco offers around 3,250 fresh produce SKUs, mainly comprising fruit and vegetables.
The assortment also includes cheese and dairy products, butchery and charcuterie, fishmongers, food pantry and bakery, in partnership with the El Pan brand.
Products are sourced from Italy as well as abroad, the report said.
Product Assortment
Each outlet houses an El Pan cafeteria and bakery, offering a range of bread in various formats, pizzas and focaccias, and pastries, accompanied by hot drinks and aperitifs.
As part of Banco Fresco’s commitment to safeguarding the environment, all the products in the fruit and vegetable departments are offered loose, thus limiting waste.
Local Italian Markets
The retailer’s strategy is to recreate the typical atmosphere of local Italian markets of yesteryears with the advanced features of modern retail.
The business model is similar to that of France’s Grand Frais, a company founded by Denis Dumont, who is also a shareholder of Banco Fresco.
Banco Fresco belongs to the Prosol Compagnia di Gestione Srl Group and is operated by an Italian team.
© 2021 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Branislav Pekic. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
