Thirty-year partnership with Bretts Transport fuels Conserve Italia’s expansion

A decades-long logistics partnership is being credited as the backbone of Conserve Italia’s successful expansion into the British market.

The Italian agri-food cooperative, which represents over 14,000 farmers, has revealed how its 30-year relationship with Bretts Transport has allowed it to double its UK delivery volumes while maintaining a “gold standard” brand reputation.

The partnership supports some of Europe’s most recognisable pantry staples, including Cirio tomatoes and Valfrutta juices. By leveraging Bretts’ Guyhirn-based facilities, Conserve Italia has scaled its operations from 11,000 pallets in 2010 to more than 25,000 pallets annually today.

As the UK grocery landscape becomes increasingly fragmented, the ability to manage diverse delivery requirements has become a competitive necessity. Nicola Zannoni, supply chain director at Conserve Italia, highlighted Bretts’ ability to handle everything from full truckloads for major multiples like Tesco and Morrison’s to smaller, just-in-time “two-pallet” drops for recipe box providers like HelloFresh.

“When goods are handled with care and delivered properly, it reflects strongly on our brand,” Zannoni stated. “Whether we are delivering to a supermarket or providing just-in-time service, it is vital that every customer receives the service they pay for.”

One of the most defining moments in the partnership occurred during the UK’s nationwide driver shortage, which hit just as Conserve Italia was launching its Cirio brand. To safeguard the launch, Bretts MD Simon Brett pivoted the business model, increasing the number of directly employed drivers by up to 40 and enrolling them in specialised training programs rather than relying on inconsistent agency labour.

This proactive investment in people ensured that Conserve Italia’s stock continued to move during a period when many other food and drink brands faced significant shelf-gaps.

For food manufacturers, the safety and integrity of the supply chain are non-negotiable. Bretts has secured its position as a key partner by achieving the highest possible grades in British Retail Consortium (BRC) audits. To maintain these standards, the company now hosts unannounced monthly BRC visits at its own request.

“We constantly strive for excellence — whether investing in more staff to meet demand or ensuring our standards remain high,” said Simon Brett, CEO of Bretts Transport. “This helps us attract and retain high-quality customers like Conserve Italia, who require more than just a haulier; they need a partner that mirror’s their own growth.”

While some finished goods travel directly from the continent, the majority of Conserve Italia’s portfolio is managed through Bretts’ UK facilities, covering unloading, storage, and order preparation for onward distribution across multiple retail and foodservice channels.