42 • May | June 2026 • abasto.com • AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY Exp Group Fruit Department Expansion Signals New Growth Phase BY ABASTO T he Exp. Group fruit depart- ment will soon play a central role in the company’s strategy to expand its presence in the U.S. pro- duce market. The distributor announced plans to establish a comprehensive fruit divi- sion while also adding industry vete- ran Richard Armata to lead the initia- tive. The move reflects Exp. Group’s effort to broaden its product portfolio and respond to shifting customer de- mand across retail, wholesale, and foodservice channels. Company leaders say the new pro- gram marks an important step toward strengthening the organization’s posi- tion in the competitive produce distri- bution sector. Moreover, the initiative aims to complement Exp. Group’s established reputation in the tropical fruit and vegetable market while opening new opportunities in traditional fruit cate- gories. New Leadership for the Fruit Department To guide the Exp. Group fruit depart- ment, the company appointed Richard Armata to oversee development and execution of the new program. Armata brings extensive experience managing large produce assortments across multiple categories and distri- bution channels. Anthony Serafino, president of Exp. Group, said Armata’s background will help accelerate the company’s growth strategy. “We are thrilled to welcome Rich Armata to our organization,” Serafino said. “His experience across a wide spectrum of SKUs and categories will strengthen our operations.” Serafino added that Armata’s leader- ship will support the company’s evol- ving culture and expanding team. Recently, Exp. Group earned recog- nition as a Great Place to Work for 2026–2027, highlighting its commit- From left to right: Anthony Serafino, Presi- dent of Ex. Group; Richard Armata, Director of the Fruit Department; and Fraymil Rodríguez, Director of Operations. ment to employee engagement and workplace culture. Serafino noted that Armata’s addi- tion will further strengthen that cultu- re as the company continues to grow. Greater Variety to Meet Market Demand Exp. Group launched the fruit depart- ment expansion in response to chan- ging market conditions and growing demand for wider product availability. Retailers, wholesalers, and foodser- vice operators increasingly seek dis- tributors capable of offering a compre- hensive produce assortment. Consequently, Exp. Group plans to build a broader A-to-Z fruit portfolio that complements its existing tropical produce expertise. Traditional fruits often serve as relia- ble indicators of market demand and consumer trends. Therefore, expanding into these categories allows the com- pany to better support customers that require consistent supply and variety. Leadership expects the new fruit de- partment to be fully operational by the end of the first quarter of 2026. Through this initiative, Exp. Group aims to position itself as a forward-loo- king distributor capable of adapting to the evolving produce landscape. Logistics Infrastructure Supports Expansion At the same time, the Exp. Group fruit department will rely on the company’s logistics division to support efficient operations. Exp. Group recently invested in ad- vanced logistics capabilities designed to streamline distribution and main- tain product quality throughout the supply chain. These systems help improve opera- tional efficiency while ensuring timely delivery to customers nationwide. As a result, the company can expand its produce portfolio without compro- mising reliability or service standards. Executives say logistics will remain a key factor in scaling the fruit program and meeting client expectations. Key Talent to Drive the Growth Strategy Fraymil Rodriguez, chief ope- rating officer of Exp. Group, said the company continues to focus on building a strong lea- dership team. “In our pursuit of excellence, we recognize that achieving extraordinary goals requires exceptionally talented indivi- duals,” Rodriguez said. Rodriguez added that Ar- mata brings the vision and ex- pertise necessary to help the company reach its long-term ambitions. Exp. Group’s leadership views the new fruit depart- ment as more than a product expansion. It represents a broader strategy to strengthen partnerships and create addi- tional value for customers.