The Iseppi family, along with all the collaborators from the various companies within the Group – Iseppi Frutta Svizzera (Basel and Campascio), Villafrut (Verona – Italy), Villatrans (Verona – Italy), Villagrow (Almeria – Spain) – organized a heartfelt group dinner to celebrate a major milestone: the 80th birthday of Renato Iseppi, the helmsman, partial founder, and cornerstone of the entire Group, which has been involved in fruit and vegetable production since 1930.
“I watched each of you walk in and thought: how many of you are there? Employees, collaborators, trusted people, even long-time friends… and it’s a great responsibility to ensure salaries for everyone (general laughter), but if there are so many of us here today, it’s also thanks to you and your good work… that, for me, is the greatest satisfaction.”
These were the words of Renato Iseppi, an entrepreneur with a story rooted in deep tradition, which began long ago when his parents, Adele and Dino Iseppi, managed a farm in Valposchiavo (Switzerland) and Valtellina (Italy), cultivating fruits and vegetables. In the 1930s, they began selling fruit in Engadine (Switzerland) via the Bernina Pass. These were the early days of organized mass distribution. Their three sons (Renato, Arturo, Delio) joined the company. In January 1960, they founded Iseppi & Co, now Iseppi Frutta. The business was modernized, all facilities were renewed, and in 1992, they purchased the plant in Dornach (Basel).
To serve the European market, in 1984 Villafrut Srl was born, led by Commercial Director and CEO Matteo Falzi, who created the company brand Jolife. Villafrut is based in Villafontana di Oppeano – Verona (Italy) and operates as the independent hub for Italy and the EU; from this strategic location, it serves clients in Italy and across Europe, with support from sister company Villatrans, which handles logistics.
The evening in honor of Renato Iseppi was an opportunity to bring together, around the same table, the people who have been essential in building such a rich history—memories, bonds, and individuals with whom to share the joy of many achievements. With the poise of a true gentleman and tears of emotion in his eyes, Mr. Iseppi blew out those eighty candles — each one telling the story of a man who has lived a life that is an example to many.
Happy Birthday, Mr. Renato!