June 19, 2008

Thailand has become the largest seafood supplier to Royal Greenland Italy, which imported US$12.4 million worth of seafood from the country last year.

Royal Greenland Italy has joined hands with Thai businesses, especially leading Thai seafood manufacturer and exporter Thai Union Frozen Products to develop products that would serve the needs of the Italian market. The company has jointly developed more than 20 products with Thai manufacturers to date.

Royal Greenland Italy managing director Francesco Picello said the company has confidence in Thailand's seafood products and quality control measures to develop new products for the Italian market.

The company imports more than 60 seafood products from Thailand, both uncooked and pre-fried. The products are supplied directly to supermarkets, retailers and food businesses. The company is also eager for Thailand to push ahead with negotiations for an ASEAN-EU free-trade agreement, which would lift import tariffs on seafood products.

Picello said the company is not affected by Italy's weakening economy but it is considering talking to its clients about prices.

Royal Greenland Italy is a joint venture between Italian businessmen and Royal Greenland, a global leader in seafood production, processing, marketing and distribution. Based in Greenland's capital of Nuuk, Royal Greenland is state-owned and is the world's largest supplier of coldwater prawns.