MANATEE — An Italian food importer and wholesaler is building its profile this week as it adds the capacity it needs to compete for a place on the shelves at big chain grocery stores.
R & V Imports, a four-year-old Chicago-area company that has had a presence in Florida since 2012, started moving into an 8,000-square-foot warehouse and office space at 7246 16th St. E. in the Whitfield Avenue industrial area Wednesday. The company previously operated out of a 1,500-square-foot space in Sarasota County, which it used to service clients throughout Florida and in other southeast states.
The expansion is part of R & V's plan to get into the state's high-volume grocery store market. Presently selling products in local delis and food stores, including Morton's Gourmet Market and Piccolos Italian Market & Deli in Sarasota, and Angelos Italian Market & Bistro in Venice, R & V is now aiming for shelf space in Publix supermarkets.
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