Mariani Packing Company, the producer and packer of dried fruit, which is concentrating on the UK bakery market, has opened its new European warehouse.

The storage facility for the US-based company is based in Rotterdam, The Netherlands and is owned and operated by VAT Logistics.

Initially, products held in Rotterdam will include Wisconsin sweetened dried cranberries, California raisins and California pitted prunes, with additional product lines soon to follow.

Andy Humphries, director, Mariani Europe, said: “Mariani’s strategy has been to build on its European operations and this is of major significance, not only for us but for our customers as well.

“This is of particular significance to those companies that do not wish to order large quantities or hold stock themselves, such as small- to medium-sized bakeries or confectioners.”

Mariani Europe will be exhibiting at key industry trade shows later in the year, including Anuga and FiEurope.